In the Line of Duty: A Tribute to Ten Trailblazing Officers and the Rise of Female Leadership in the Forces

In 1992, the Indian Army opened its gates to women in non-medical roles, a quiet revolution that’s now roaring across regiments, borders, and battlefields. Fast forward to 2025, and Femina’s “In the Line of Duty” issue celebrates ten remarkable women officers in the Indian Army who’ve not only shattered glass ceilings but also reshaped the narrative of what it means to serve.

This blog delves into their stories, explores the evolving role of women officers in the Indian Army, and reflects on the balance between duty, leadership, and life, offering insights into training, emotional resilience, identity, the historic Operation Sindoor, and life beyond the uniform.

The Ten Faces of Courage: Femina’s Featured Officers

From high-altitude combat zones to elite training academies, these ten women officers in the Indian Army represent grit, grace, and groundbreaking achievement:

• Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: A 26-year veteran commanding an elite Signals unit, she’s led counter-insurgency missions and represented India at global military exercises.
• Colonel Meghna Dave: Logistics Commander in India’s Eastern sector, blends strategic acumen with emotional intelligence.
• Colonel Ponung Doming: The first woman Colonel from Northeast India, she leads the highest Border Roads Organisation task force in Ladakh.
• Colonel Anshu Jamwal: The first woman to command an operational Air Defence Unit, she’s redefining tactical leadership.
• Lieutenant Colonel Krutika Patil: A medal-winning equestrienne and trainer at NDA, she embodies discipline and resilience.
• Major Dwipannita Kalita: India’s first female paratrooper from Assam, she serves in the elite Parachute Medical Regiment.
• Lance Naik Aashika: A Corps of Military Police soldier deployed in counter-terrorism zones, she’s a symbol of frontline courage.

These officers aren’t just serving, they’re rewriting history.

What Drives Women Officers in the Indian Army to Serve? The Psychology of Purpose

Why do women choose a life of discipline, danger, and duty? For some, it’s a legacy. For others, it’s the thrill of challenge. But for all its purpose. Major Kalita speaks of “a calling that goes beyond career,” while Col Doming credits her journey to the three Ds: dream, determination, and discipline.

Psychologists note that women in high-stakes roles often exhibit elevated emotional intelligence, resilience, and collaborative instincts, traits that make them exceptional leaders in combat and command.

Training Like a Warrior: Inside the NDA, OTA, Paratrooper Regiments, & IMA

Military training is brutal by design. At the National Defence Academy (NDA), Officer Training Academy (OTA), Paratrooper regiments, and now even the Indian Military Academy (IMA), women undergo the same physical and mental conditioning as men, sometimes more.

Lt Col Patil, who trains cadets at NDA, emphasises the importance of “mental stamina over muscle.” Major Kalita’s paratrooper training involved night jumps, survival drills, and psychological endurance. These regimens forge not just soldiers, but leaders.

Uniforms and Identity: Femininity in a Camouflaged World

The Army uniform is a symbol of equality, but it can also blur individuality. Yet, these officers find ways to express themselves. Col Qureshi is a published poet. Lt Col Patil is a competitive equestrienne. Col Dave plays hockey and cooks for her team.

Their stories challenge the notion that femininity and military service are incompatible. In fact, they prove that identity isn’t sacrificed, but it’s strengthened.

Policy Wins That Changed the Game: Permanent Commission & Beyond

Until recently, women officers in the Indian Army were offered only short service commissions. But landmark legal victories like the 2020 Supreme Court ruling granted permanent commission to women in 10 non-combat streams.

This shift means women can now rise to higher ranks, command units, and retire with full benefits. Officers like Col Jamwal and Col Doming are living proof that policy change fuels progress.

Operation Sindoor: Women Leading India’s Precision Strike

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a swift and coordinated military response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. What made this operation historic wasn’t just its precision; it was the leadership.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force co-led the media briefing, becoming the face of India’s retaliation. Their presence wasn’t symbolic; it was strategic. These women had played pivotal roles in the mission itself, which targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and PoK with surgical precision.

The name Sindoor (vermilion), a symbol of love and commitment worn by married women, was chosen to honor the widows of the victims and soldiers. Prime Minister Modi called it “an unwavering commitment to justice”.

Operation Sindoor showcased:

• Tri-forces coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Indigenous tech deployment under Make in India
• Zero civilian casualties, thanks to meticulous planning
• Women officers in command, briefing the world with clarity and conviction

Colonel Qureshi, already known for leading India’s contingent at Force 18, and Wing Commander Singh, a decorated helicopter pilot with over 2,500 flying hours, embodied the new face of Indian defence: precise, powerful, and proudly female.

Their appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati’s Independence Day special further amplified their story, bringing patriotism and representation to millions of viewers.

Mental Health in the Forces: Coping with Stress, Loss, and Isolation

Serving in the Army builds more than physical strength; it cultivates emotional resilience. Long deployments, high-risk missions, and separation from family take a toll.

Col Dave speaks of “facing fear with preparation.” Lance Naik Aashika finds strength in community and routine. The Army now offers wellness programs, peer support, and psychological counselling, but stigma still lingers.

Life After Uniform: Leadership Beyond the Battlefield

What happens after the uniform comes off? Many women officers in the Indian Army transition into academia, entrepreneurship, or social impact roles. Col Qureshi mentors young cadets. Lt Col Patil trains future leaders. Others write, speak, and advocate for gender equity.

Their leadership doesn’t end with service; it evolves. And their stories inspire a new generation to lead with purpose.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter in India’s Defence Story

The Indian Army’s story is evolving, and women are writing the next chapter. From commanding battalions to jumping out of planes, they’re proving that excellence knows no gender.

Femina’s “In the Line of Duty” issue isn’t just a tribute, it’s a call to action. To recognise, support, and celebrate the women who serve. To build a defence force that reflects the diversity and dynamism of India. And to ensure that every girl who dreams of wearing the uniform knows: she belongs.