Growing up in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Ruth always felt a pull toward the ocean. But it wasn’t until her mother encouraged her to pursue diving at 21 that she truly discovered her calling. Her first dive at Nemo Reef was love at first sight, an experience so profound that she knew she wanted to make the ocean her forever home.

As one of the first women from her community to become a dive instructor, Ruth carries the weight of both responsibility and pride. She hopes to inspire more women to follow in her footsteps, proving that the ocean belongs to everyone. The challenges of working in a male-dominated industry only fuel her determination, pushing her to gain the trust of her students and reshape perceptions of women in diving.

The Andaman waters have given Ruth experiences she will never forget, like diving in Barren Island’s whirlpool currents, where the visibility was so crystal clear it felt infinite. Through every dive, she’s learned patience, resilience, and the importance of slowing down, lessons she carries with her on land.

One of the biggest misconceptions she challenges is the idea that women shouldn’t dive during their periods. She believes in breaking such stereotypes through education and open conversations, ensuring women feel confident in their choices. Her vision for the future is clear: a more inclusive and empowered diving community, where young girls from the islands see the ocean as a space where they, too, belong.

For any young girl dreaming of exploring the depths, Ruth’s advice is simple: Be you. Learn, work hard, and build your own legacy. Make your family, your community, and most importantly, yourself proud.