Major Kavitha Vasupalli: Army Doctor's Groundbreaking Brahmaputra Expedition and Lifesaving Acts
Major Kavitha Vasupalli exemplifies the seamless blend of medical expertise, physical resilience, and fearless determination. A doctor serving in the Army Medical Corps, she has made her mark both by saving lives on perilous mountain terrains and by navigating one of the world's most treacherous rivers, demonstrating that bravery has no limits.
Raised in the small village of Metturu in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, Major Kavitha faced numerous challenges on her path to the Indian Army. Supported by her father, a railway clerk, and her homemaker mother, she pursued her ambition to study medicine. After completing her education at government schools, she earned her MBBS from Government Medical College, Srikakulam. In 2021, she joined the Indian Army with a vision to serve her nation while also supporting her family.
One of Major Kavitha's most notable accomplishments occurred in February 2025, when she became the first woman to complete a 1,040-kilometer rafting journey on the Brahmaputra River. The expedition, led by Tenzing Norgay Awardee Col. Ranveer Singh Jamwal, SM, VSM & Bar, stretched from the Indo-Tibetan border in Arunachal Pradesh to the Indo-Bangladesh border, navigating challenging rapids and isolated areas.
Reflecting on a hazardous incident during the expedition, she recollects, "When the raft flipped in a giant wave, we were completely underwater. Trust in our training and each other kept us alive.” Her remarkable achievement secured her a place in the World Book of Records (London).
For Major Kavitha, adventure transcends personal accolades, embodying readiness to act when lives are at risk. During an expedition to Mt. Gorichen, Arunachal Pradesh's highest climbable peak, she administered emergency medical care to save a fellow climber at an altitude of 5,900 meters amidst freezing conditions.
In recognition of her courage and committed service, she was honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal on Republic Day 2025 and a Chief of Army Staff Commendation.
Major Kavitha's passion for sports and adventure traces back to her childhood, where swimming and outdoor challenges cultivated her fortitude. Now, she not only serves as a doctor and soldier but also stands as an inspiration for young women across India, embodying the harmonious blend of compassion and courage.
