Athulya KV, a commercial scuba diver from Palakkad, Kerala, has become India’s first woman to obtain a commercial scuba diving license. In a recent interview, she shared her experiences exploring the underwater world off the coast of Kerala, including a mysterious cave-like structure near Kovalam that some believe is connected to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. She described the area as dangerous, with strong currents and whirlpools, and said that what lies inside remains unknown.

Athulya, who initially aspired to become a police officer, discovered her passion for diving after a teacher encouraged her to try it. She now trains police and fire rescue teams in underwater operations. She recounted her first dive in Thiruvananthapuram, where she was amazed by the ability to breathe underwater. She also highlighted the severe plastic pollution in Kerala’s waters, noting that she often sees more plastic waste than coral during dives.

She spoke about a shipwreck off the Kerala coast, estimated to be around 500 years old, which she has explored. The wreck is now home to diverse marine life. Athulya emphasized the importance of safety in diving, advising against jumping into water without proper equipment and training. She also clarified that scuba tanks contain compressed air, not pure oxygen, as pure oxygen becomes toxic at depth.

Despite the risks, Athulya is determined to continue her career and hopes to uncover more historical secrets hidden beneath the sea. She encourages others, especially women, to consider commercial diving as a viable career path, noting that there are many opportunities abroad.