In an inspiring tale of grit and passion, a retired military nursing officer has redefined the boundaries of what women can achieve. Lt Col Ambily Satish, who took voluntary retirement in August 2025 at the age of 45, recently completed a monumental 8,800-kilometre solo motorcycle journey to the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas across India.
From Operation Theatre to Open Road: A Journey Begins
For Lt Col Ambily, motorcycling is far more than a hobby; it is a profound expression of independence and purpose. Her connection with two-wheelers began two decades ago, offering a liberating escape from her demanding role in Operation Theatre administration and surgical assistance with the Military Nursing Services (MNS). What started as a simple mode of commute evolved into a lifelong passion.
She recalled challenging societal norms from a young age. "I was a rebel kid and feminist at heart," she said, remembering a promise she made to herself at 12 to learn biking from a woman. "There is a widespread belief that motorcycles are not meant for girls, that Indian roads are unsafe for women... I wanted to challenge and change these perceptions."
The Epic Solo Pilgrimage: 8,800 km of Faith and Fortitude
After opting for voluntary retirement, Lt Col Ambily began her spiritual and physical quest with a trek to Kedarnath in October 2025. The main motorcycle expedition kicked off from Dehradun on November 8, 2025. Over the following weeks, she traversed a vast swathe of the country, riding through Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
She finally concluded her awe-inspiring ride in Pune on December 24, 2025, having successfully visited all 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Reflecting on the solo journey, she emphasised that strong support from family, kindness from strangers in regions often deemed unsafe, and her faith were pivotal in proving that anything is possible.
Mentorship, Marriage, and Missions for a Cause
Her biking journey was shaped by key relationships. In Jodhpur, as a newly commissioned officer, she found a mentor in her batchmate, then Lieutenant Sarita Muwal, who taught her and fearlessly rode pillion. Her passion also led her to her future husband, then Group Captain C N Satish, whom she met at Pune's Artificial Limb Centre.
Her riding has consistently been intertwined with service. She participated in long-distance rallies with amputee veterans to demonstrate their capabilities, co-founding the group 'Phoenix Bravehearts'. The group's oldest rider is a 75-year-old veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. She has also been part of landmark all-women 'Nari Sashaktikaran' rallies commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas in 2023 and 2024.
From her first modest 125cc Bajaj XCD to later upgrades, her bikes have carried her on missions of personal freedom and collective inspiration. Lt Col Ambily Satish's story is a powerful testament to discipline, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of women who dare to begin. Her message is clear: the road is open to anyone with the courage to ride it.
