Born on a Warship: The Inspiring Story of B Glory

On December 26, 2004, B Balram and his wife, B Laxmi, lost their home and village in Hut Bay Island (Little Andaman) to the devastating tsunami. Laxmi, who was nine months pregnant, clung to her husband as they climbed a nearby hill that was safe from the rising waters.

“For three days, we stayed there without food, water, or warm clothes,” the couple recalls. On the fourth day, the Indian Navy ship INS Gharial arrived and rescued them, along with many others who had taken shelter on the hill. They were brought onboard a lifeboat to the ship anchored nearby.

As they boarded the ship, Laxmi, then 23, started feeling labor pains. Balram immediately informed an officer, who assured him that she would be taken care of. As the ship sailed towards Port Blair, Laxmi’s contractions intensified. The ship’s doctor, although inexperienced in delivering babies, successfully helped her give birth to a baby girl at 7 PM on December 29, 2004.

The next day, when the ship reached Port Blair, Laxmi and her newborn daughter, named B Glory, were taken to a hospital, while Balram was given lodging nearby.

The Indian Navy celebrated Glory’s miraculous birth, marking it as the first emergency delivery aboard a warship. The Navy also pledged to support Glory’s education and helped Balram find work after he could no longer sustain himself through fishing.

“We rescued 645 people from the overcrowded jetty at Hut Bay on December 29, prioritizing women and children,” recalls retired Commodore A Venugopal. “Laxmi was among a few pregnant women onboard. By evening, it was clear she would deliver. Despite being nervous, the ship’s doctor ensured everything went smoothly, thanks to God’s grace.”

Now 20 years old, Glory is studying computer science at JNRM College in Port Blair. After graduating, she dreams of becoming an officer in the Indian Navy to give back to the institution that saved and supported her family.

“After I graduate, I will take the SSB exam and, if all goes well, join the Navy,” says Glory. “Growing up, I always knew how fortunate I was to survive such difficult circumstances. The Navy has been part of my life, celebrating my birthdays, checking in on us, and fully supporting my education by covering all my fees. Joining the Navy is my way of repaying this debt.”