By Our Correspondent
DUBAI/BHUBANESWAR:Dubai based noted Odia scuba diver and senior corporate leader Priyadarshee Panigrahi has completed his landmark 100th scuba dive, further cementing his position as one of Odisha’s most accomplished recreational divers. He marked this major milestone, recently, in one of the world’s most exhilarating underwater environments, the tiger shark waters of Fuvahmulah island in Maldives. Fuvahmulah island lies just below the equator and is internationally recognized as the Tiger Shark capital of the World.
The milestone dive was particularly memorable as Priyadarshee was accompanied by his 16-year-old daughter, Tisya, herself a record-breaking Advanced Open Water Diver. Descending to the bottom of the ocean, Priyadarshee and Tisya found themselves surrounded by tiger sharks of various sizes, some measuring up to 15 feet in length and weighing several hundred kilograms, creating an unforgettable backdrop for Priyadarshee’s ‘Century Dive’. Many of the sharks were just a few centimeters away from the duo, making the whole dive an intense and thrilling encounter.
A Century Beneath the Waves
For Priyadarshee, who took up scuba diving as a passion since 2012, reaching 100 dives represents far more than just a numerical milestone. He said, “I could not have imagined a better way to complete my 100th dive. To be underwater with Tisya, surrounded by tiger sharks of all sizes, was an incredibly powerful and humbling experience. Every dive has taught me something about the ocean, but this one will remain very special.”
Tiger Sharks
Tiger sharks are among the ocean’s largest predatory sharks, capable of reaching approximately 15 feet (4.5 meters) in length and weighing several hundred kilograms, with exceptionally large individual sharks approaching 500 kg. Sharing the water with multiple tiger sharks makes a Fuvahmulah dive an extraordinary encounter even for seasoned divers.
A Father-Daughter Passion for Diving
The occasion was made even more meaningful by Tisya’s presence. The young diver has accompanied her father on several significant diving adventures and has built an impressive record at a remarkably young age. Both are certified Advanced Open Water Divers, placing them among a select group of Indian father-daughter advanced recreational diving pairs to achieve this level of experience.
Tisya said, “Doing my father’s 100th dive with him was really special. We were surrounded by tiger sharks, and it was an incredible moment to see these magnificent creatures from such close quarters. This was both exciting and humbling and I’m really happy that I could be there for such an important milestone in his diving journey.”
Fuvahmulah: The Tiger Shark Capital of the World
Located in the southern Maldives, Fuvahmulah has earned a stellar global reputation as a premier destination for encounters with tiger sharks. Its unique oceanographic conditions and productive waters attract these magnificent apex predators throughout the year, making close-up encounters a defining feature of the island’s diving experience. Coming to Fuvahmulah for this landmark dive was a fitting choice for Priyadarshee.
Accomplished Diving Instructor, Shumi, who is a Maldivian national and the owner of ‘Scuba Butler’ Diving School, Fuvahmulah, facilitated Panigrahi’s diving experiences on the island. Shumi said, “Mr. Priyadarshee, completing his 100th dive here in Fuvahmulah, surrounded by tiger sharks, is a fantastic milestone. Fuvahmulah is a very special place for divers because encounters with tiger sharks can be incredibly close and memorable. We have been happy to be part of Mr. Priyadarshee and Tisya’s diving journey, and it was wonderful to see them complete this milestone together.”
About Priyadarshee Panigrahi & Tisya Panigrahi
Priyadarshee happens to be the son of former Minister and Parliamentarian Late Sriballav Panigrahi and educationist Smt. Sunanda Panigrahi. Born in Bhubaneswar and raised in Sambalpur and Delhi, Priyadarshee started his scuba diving journey in 2012, completing his 75th dive just 16 months ago in March 2025.
Tisya became Odisha’s youngest scuba diver in 2020 at the age of 10 and became Odisha’s youngest advanced open water diver in 2022 at the age of 12. On 8th June 2025, on her 15th birthday, Tisya dived to 100 feet making her the youngest Odia to reach this depth.
Together Priyadarshee & Tisya are among India’s very few father-daughter advanced scuba diving duos. They combine their passion for exploration with a growing commitment to experiencing, appreciating, and respecting the underwater world. They have also made several efforts to promote ocean conservation and marine life.
