Srividva had made the first flight in the war zone
In a film released last year, Gunjan Saxena was claimed to be flying in the war zone for the first time. However, both Gunjan Saxena and Srividva denied this. According to the Air Force, both the women were stationed together in Udhampur and when the Kargil war broke out, Srividya was the first woman officer to be sent along with male officers. Gunjan Saxena had joined him two days after this. Although Gunjan Saxena is known for her bravery in this war.
Also read: These are the 10 tallest statues in the world, know where is the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Know about Gunjan Saxena
Gunjan Saxena was born in a Lucknow family where everyone was in the army. His father and brother served in the Indian Army. Gunjan was studying at Delhi University’s Hansraj College when she joined the Flying Club. Initially it was a vocational course for him. Then they came to know that for the first time women are being recruited in the Indian Air Force. He made his place in the Indian Air Force by passing SSB. She became part of the first female pilot trainee batch of the Indian Air Force in the year 1994. In this batch 23 other girls including Srividya were training with Gunjan. When the Kargil war started, the army needed more pilots to provide medicines, food and necessary help to its wounded soldiers. At that time for the first time it was decided to send Gunjan and her companion Sri Vidya to the battle field. Gunjan was only 25 years old at that time. He had to help his comrades while escaping from Pakistani army firing and aircraft attacks.
Both flew Cheetah helicopter in the battlefield
In this war, both Gunjan and Srividya flew in their respective Cheetah helicopters and helped their soldiers while saving themselves from the attack of the Pakistani army. They carried medicine and food to the valleys of Dras and Batalik. She also brought back her wounded soldiers. Along with this, one of the tasks of these two women pilots was also to take stock of the situation in Pakistan Army. For which many times he flew very close to the line of control. Once when Gunjan was taking off, the Pakistani army fired a missile at her helicopter. Gunjan’s helicopter narrowly escaped from this attack. Even after escaping from death, Gunjan’s spirit did not break. During the war, Gunjan helped many soldiers. She also carried a rifle and small gun with her so that she would be fully prepared if she ever faced the enemy.
Also read: Indian Queens: These are the 5 heroines of India, who made important sacrifices in getting freedom for the country
Awarded with Shaurya Chakra
Gunjan Saxena was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his courage and passion in the Kargil War. This award is given to those who have demonstrated bravery and self-sacrifice without directly fighting the enemy. Gunjan was the first woman to have been given this award. In the war, Gunjan and Srividya may not have flown a fighter plane, but facing enemy attacks in the battlefield, fulfilling their mission, proved that if women are given a chance, they can protect the country.
Short but brilliant career of both
Till that time, women were not given permanent commission in the Indian Army. Because of this, the careers of Gunjan and Srividya also ended in 7 years as commissioned officers. However, now women pilots get permanent commission. Today many women pilots are in the Fighting Squadron of the Indian Air Force. Both these Kargil girls may not have got a chance to fly fighter jets, but they opened the way for women who want to serve the country shoulder to shoulder with men.
.