Meet Major Dr. Kavitha Vasupalli: The Doctor Who Rafted 1,040 km and Risked Her Life to Save Others

Major Dr. Kavitha Vasupalli, a commissioned officer in the Indian Army Medical Corps (AMC), exemplifies the highest standards of professional excellence, physical endurance, and selfless service. Serving as a medical officer at the Military Hospital Wellington in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, she has distinguished herself through extraordinary feats in adventure sports and high-risk rescue operations. Her achievements include becoming the first and only woman to complete a 1,040-kilometre rafting expedition on the Brahmaputra River and leading a daring nighttime rescue in a remote gorge, actions that have earned her national recognition and inspired countless individuals.

Humble Beginnings and Formative Years

Born and raised in Metturu village in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, Major Vasupalli comes from a modest background. Her father, Vasupalli Rama Rao, served as a railway clerk, while her mother, Ramya, is a homemaker. She completed her early education in government schools in the region and later attended Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan in Visakhapatnam. From a young age, she demonstrated a remarkable passion for sports, particularly swimming, achieving success as a national medalist and representing India at the international level. These early experiences cultivated the resilience and discipline that would define her military career.

After earning her MBBS degree from the Government Medical College in Srikakulam, she joined the Indian Army in 2021. Her decision was driven by a dual commitment: to serve the nation and to support her family. Since commissioning, she has been posted at Military Hospital Wellington, where she balances clinical responsibilities with operational and adventure commitments.

Record-Breaking Brahmaputra River Rafting Expedition

In February 2025, Major Vasupalli made history as the sole female member of a 10-person Indian Army team that completed a 1,040-kilometre rafting expedition along the Brahmaputra River. The journey, led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal (SM, VSM & Bar, Tenzing Norgay Awardee and Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports), began at Gelling village near the Indo-Tibetan border in Arunachal Pradesh and concluded at Hatsingimari near the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam. Over 28 days, the team navigated Grade 4+ rapids, freezing waters, 11-foot waves, and multiple capsizing incidents in one of the world’s most challenging river systems.

Major Vasupalli later reflected on the perils encountered: “Trust in our training and each other kept us alive.” The expedition, which concluded successfully between 10 and 14 February 2025, earned her an entry in the World Book of Records (London). It also highlighted her role as a trailblazer, as she noted, “I am proud to be the first woman to complete the Brahmaputra expedition. People often tell girls that they can’t do anything. I was the first graduate, the first Army officer, and the first adventurer in my family. But I never gave up.”

Mountaineering Excellence and Lifesaving Bravery

A trained mountaineer with expertise in high-altitude operations, Major Vasupalli further demonstrated her capabilities during an expedition to Mount Gorichen (approximately 6,488 metres), Arunachal Pradesh’s highest climbable peak. At an altitude of 5,900 metres, she administered emergency medical care to a fellow climber in severe conditions, saving his life. This act of courage under extreme duress earned her the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card.

In recognition of her distinguished service, she was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) on Republic Day 2025. These honours underscore her integration of medical expertise with operational daring, setting a benchmark for service personnel.

Daring Rescue in the Nilgiris Gorge (March 2026)

On 21 March 2026, Major Vasupalli once again placed herself in harm’s way during a civilian rescue operation near Soojimalai Viewpoint in Gudalur, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu. A tourist, Shivagurunathan from Chengalpattu, had fallen approximately 150 feet into a steep, dark gorge while attempting to take a selfie. Initial efforts by local fire and rescue services proved insufficient amid hazardous conditions, including loose rocks, steep terrain, darkness, cold weather, and the presence of wildlife such as elephants and tigers.

An Army team from the Madras Regiment Centre, supported by medical personnel from Military Hospital Wellington, assumed control of the operation around 7 pm. Major Vasupalli voluntarily descended first via rope at approximately 10:30 pm, reaching the victim by 11:30 pm. She found him unconscious, with no pulse, low blood pressure, multiple injuries, and at risk of hypothermia. Demonstrating composure and clinical precision, she provided critical first aid, stabilised his condition, and secured him on a stretcher. The team then executed a 70-metre Tyrolean Traverse Line to evacuate him safely. The full operation lasted approximately 14 hours and concluded successfully around 4 am.

Her actions were pivotal in what has been described as a “Manjummel Boys-style” rescue, showcasing the seamless fusion of mountaineering skills and medical proficiency in extreme environments.

A Legacy of Inspiration and Aspiration

Major Dr. Kavitha Vasupalli’s journey reflects an unwavering commitment to duty, innovation in adversity, and the breaking of societal barriers. As a role model for women in uniform and beyond, she continues to pursue advanced interests in sports medicine while aspiring to summit Mount Everest. Her story serves as a testament to the Indian Army’s ethos of “Service Before Self,” reminding citizens that courage, compassion, and competence can coexist in the pursuit of national service.

In an era where professional excellence and personal fortitude are paramount, Major Vasupalli stands as a beacon of what dedicated service can achieve. Her contributions not only save lives but also elevate the standards of military medicine and adventure sports in India.