For ages now, women had a tough time to break open the glass ceiling and achieve the privilege we have today. Certainly, this was a task for the women who had dreams to make it up to the most prestigious roles in the country’s armed forces. Being women was the only criteria that held them back from accomplishing their dreams for several decades. But, few lionhearted women chose to smash the regular restriction laid on the women. This sprit instigated our country to make way for the women officers in defense services in 1993. Initially women were accepted for temporary commission just for five years and restrained only for non-combat jobs. However, women’s efficiency and dedication towards their job has led them to higher and combative roles. Let us meet a few young and dynamic women who have evolved as the pride of our nation.
Major Divya Ajith Kumar
Major Divya Ajith Kumar sounds charismatic, isn’t it? Being born into a Chennai-based Tamil family without any army background, it is undoubtedly esteemed to attain this position in the man’s world. Also, she holds the pride of being the first Lady Cadet to be conferred by the Indian Army with the coveted “Sword of Honour”. Major Divya has led the first all-women contingent of 154 women officers and cadets on the Republic day parade 2015, in the presence of then US President Barack Obama as the chief guest. Along with the various notable achievements in her career, Major Divya is also mastered in sports and arts that include Bharatanatyam, Basketball, discus throw and percussionist. Presently, she is associated with Officers Training Academy and involves in encouraging the schools and college students to consider Armed Forces as their career option.
Captain Priya Semwal
We are very familiar with the phrase “It was destined to happen”. This holds true in Priya’s life. Little did Priya know that she would venture into Indian Army when she began her married life with her husband Naik Amit Sharma who served Indian Army as a Jawan. With her husband support Priya finished her graduation and pursed MSc in Mathematics, and obtained B.Ed degree as well. Post that she intented to take up job in 2012, but her destiny had different plans. She lost her husband in the 14 Rajput regiment in Arunachal Pradesh. Everything had shattered for Priya, but Colonel Arun Agarwal’s the commanding officer of Amit’s Sharma’s unit advices Priya to take up the job in Indian Army. Initially hesitant but her daughter’s future urged Priya to clear the CDS exam and SSB and posted as commissioned officer in the Indian Army.
Sub Lieutenant Shivangi Singh
The sight of politician flying in helicopter to attend their political gathering has fascinated the young child to become a pilot. This passion drove Shivangi to obtain Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical engineering and subsequently complete her Master’s degree. Post which ventured into the Indian Navy through the SSC-Pilot entry scheme, and after successfully completing various courses, the 24 years old Shivangi Singh became the first women pilot of the Indian Navy on 2 December 2019.
Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi
Avani Chaturvedi is one of the first three fighter pilots Flight Lieutenant. Born to Dinkar Chaturvedi, an superintending engineer in Water Resource Deparment of MP, Avani was inspired by her brother who server the Indian Army as an officer to take up Armed forces as her future career. Additionally, her flying experience from the flying club of her college led her to join Indian Air Force.
Flight Lieutenant Mohana Singh Jitarwal
Mohana Singh is also one of the first combat pilots along with Avani Chaturvedi. She inducted into the Indian Air force in June 2016. Mohana being the daughter of Pratap Singh, an Indian Air Force personnel and her schooling from The Air Force School would certainly be the inspiration for her to place herself as one of the three first fighter pilots.
