CS Chandrasekaran (67), Venkata Subra Maniam Raju (65), and Krishnan Venkatesan (65), a trio of inseparable friends from Chennai, recently returned from an incredible expedition to the Arctic. In July of this year, they sailed on a luxurious cruise through the remote Svalbard archipelago, north of mainland Norway, immersing themselves in the breathtaking vistas of the Arctic region.
Wrapped in layers of warm clothing, they glided through shimmering icy fjords, marveling at the snow-dusted peaks that inspired profound awe. “The sheer beauty and profound silence were truly sublime – a powerful reminder of our small place in nature’s grand design,” Venkatesan recounted.
This wasn’t their first venture into the planet’s frozen frontiers. In January 2024, they had already explored the Antarctic Peninsula, a journey that deeply moved and transformed them.
These three senior citizens, all retired senior executives from companies in West Asia, have been lifelong friends with a shared passion for travel and adventure. Now settled in Chennai, this globe-trotting trio, each having explored over 40 countries, decided to fulfill a cherished dream: to journey to both of Earth’s poles.
Venkata Subra Maniam Raju, Chandrasekaran and Krishnan Venkatesan in Antarctica
In 2023, they began meticulously planning their trip to Antarctica. Everything fell into place, and by January 2024, they were ready for their incredible journey.
Their preparation was thorough; they conducted extensive research and even trained at the gym to ensure their fitness. “We knew the journey would be physically demanding, especially given the extreme weather conditions. But our families were incredibly supportive, and we felt we had nothing to lose. We were ready to embrace the risks,” explained Chandrasekaran, who, along with Raju, even took a polar plunge. “Diving into those icy waters from the ship was an indescribable experience. All I can say is, your heart stops beating for a few seconds before you feel truly alive again,” he added.
The friends emphasized that polar expeditions offer raw adventure and a complete disconnect from the chaos of the modern world. “An expedition cruise in Antarctica means kayaking amidst towering icebergs, hiking across pristine snowfields, and being utterly surrounded by incredible wildlife. We encountered vast herds of seals and bustling rookeries of penguins. We were even fortunate enough to spot the elusive Emperor penguin and witnessed a magnificent humpback whale breaching near our Zodiacs – the sturdy inflatable boats that transported us from the ship to the shore. Watching these animals thrive in such immense numbers within their natural habitat is an experience that will forever remain with us,” Venkatesan shared.
The friends on a Zodiac excursion at the Arctic
Their Antarctic adventure involved flying across the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, where they boarded the Ocean Adventurer. For eight days and seven nights, with temperatures hovering around -5°C, each day was packed with Zodiac excursions. The journey concluded with a picturesque detour to Patagonia’s Torres del Paine, offering a stunning contrast of rugged mountains and vast, windswept plains.
However, the experience wasn’t just about adventure; it also offered profound reflection. The friends witnessed firsthand the stark effects of climate change – rapidly melting glaciers and shifting ice patterns – a poignant reminder of our planet’s fragility. “Researchers on our team thoroughly explained how quickly the region is transforming,” Venkatesan noted.
Energized by their Antarctic success, the friends returned to Chennai determined to complete their polar quest. In July 2025, they took a chartered flight from Copenhagen to Longyearbyen, Norway – the world’s northernmost town – marking the start of their Arctic expedition.
The sheer abundance of wildlife was the most striking aspect of the Arctic. “Animals seemed to appear in dramatic fashion,” Raju recalled. “One morning, we silently watched a majestic polar bear amble across an ice floe – powerful, humbling, and utterly awe-inspiring. Another day, we drifted past walruses lounging like grumpy giants on the shore. We saw numerous reindeer and agile snow foxes. Puffins, guillemots, and Arctic terns filled the skies, while belugas and seals playfully danced in the icy waters.”
It was summer, and one of their most cherished memories was standing on the ship’s deck at 2 AM, sipping hot chocolate under the surreal glow of the midnight sun.
Venkatesan, Chandrasekaran and Raju at the Arctic Circle
A visit to the renowned Global Seed Vault, located in the remote Arctic Svalbard Archipelago, was another highlight. “It’s a storage facility for seeds from across the globe, serving as humanity’s crucial insurance policy for crop biodiversity,” Venkatesan explained.
Once again, Chandrasekaran and Raju bravely plunged into the polar waters, this time in the Arctic Circle.
As they departed Longyearbyen, they carried with them far more than just souvenirs and photographs; they carried memories etched forever in ice and sky.
The trio, all in their sixties, considers it a monumental achievement to have completed both polar expeditions within an 18-month span. “From adapting to sub-zero temperatures – a stark contrast to our warm Chennai climate – to navigating vegetarian diets, the journey rigorously tested our endurance, planning, and spirit. Yet, every single challenge was met with unwavering resilience, strong camaraderie, and an insatiable curiosity,” Chandrasekaran proudly stated. And yes, they were delighted to have an Indian chef on board who prepared delicious vegetarian dishes tailored to their needs.
Until their next grand adventure, these friends will undoubtedly continue to share tales of their journeys to the poles – recounting the profound silence, pristine purity, and the sheer enormity of an experience that left them deeply moved.