Ovee Malve, Ruchi Malve
In a city full of achievers, two teenagers from Pune are earning recognition for something rare - diving deep into the ocean. Ovee (12) and Ruchi (16) Malve are making global waves in scuba diving with their courage, curiosity, and calmness.
Ovee, the younger sister, began diving at just ten. Within two years, she completed more than 50 dives across Goa, Pondicherry, the Andaman Islands, the Maldives, and Thailand. In October 2025, she earned her Master Scuba Diver title - the highest level of recreational diving, held by fewer than two percent of divers worldwide.
"I just wanted to explore what's beneath the sea," says Ovee. "The colourful fish, coral, and marine life always fascinate me. It feels like a whole new world down there - calm and beautiful."
Her elder sister, Ruchi, took that passion even deeper. At fourteen, she became the world's youngest cave diver, exploring some of Thailand's toughest underwater systems - Sra Keow 1, Sra Keow 2, and Klang Cave.
"Cave diving is not easy," she admits. "It's dark, narrow, and unpredictable. But once you're inside, it's just you, your light, and your focus."
Ruchi went more than 100 metres inside Klang Cave, reaching 30 metres depth, and spent 80 minutes underwater - experiences that demand absolute composure.
Their father, Neeraj Malve, is a scuba diver and the founder of the 20-year-old Bangalore Mountaineering Club (BMC Adventures), one of India's well-known adventure organisations. He says, "Adventure teaches awareness and patience. My daughters have grown up learning to respect nature and stay calm under pressure."
Both sisters attend Dhruv Global School, Sus, Pune, which has played an important role in supporting their journey. "Our teachers have always encouraged us," says Ovee. "They understand how much diving means to us."
The sisters have trained under professional instructors from PADI, SSI and IANTD, learning to dive safely and responsibly. They also focus on understanding marine ecosystems and conservation.
Now, Ruchi plans to continue cave diving and pursue advanced certifications, while Ovee hopes to explore coral reefs and take up underwater photography.
"Every dive teaches you something new," says Ruchi. "You don't just discover marine life - you discover yourself."
Their story proves that courage and curiosity can take you anywhere, even to the bottom of the sea.
