Wing Commander Deepika Misra: First woman IAF officer to get gallantry award
Produced by: Bhoomika
Designed by: Pragati
Wing Commander Deepika Misra has become the first woman Indian Air Force officer to be honoured with a gallantry award for saving human lives during adverse situations caused by a natural calamity
Who is Deepika Misra?
According to an IAF spokesperson, Wing Commander Deepika Misra, has been conferred a Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for an act of "exceptional courage" displayed during a flood relief operation in Madhya Pradesh
Vayu Sena Medal
for Deepika Misra
IAF Wing Commander Deepika Misra was "detailed to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in response to flash floods" in northern Madhya Pradesh in August 2021, as reported by the Indian Army officers
Deepika Misra led
brave rescue-ops
As part of the rescue operation following the Madhya Pradesh floods, Deepika Misra did low hover pick-ups and winching for consecutively eight days and saved the lives of 47 people
First woman IAF officer
to get gallantry award
Helicopter pilot Deepika Misra hails from Rajasthan. She had been commissioned to fly choppers (Cheetah and Chetak) and was inducted through short-service commission. Deepika wanted to take part in the Sarang display team but at that time women were only allowed to fly single-engine helicopters
Deepika Misra breaks
the glass-ceiling
Following a policy change in 2010, Deepika applied for induction into the team. Though, at that time she had an eighteen-month-old daughter and the Air Force committee was concerned if she will be able to balance the tough job requirements and responsibilities at home and rejected her application
Deepika Misra - A go-getter
Deepika went on to apply for it again in 2013 and then in 2014. Finally, she got a call for selection and hence began her journey in IAF. She became the first woman officer to be selected in the Sarang formation. She made her debut at Aero India show in Bengaluru in 2015
Deepika Misra - First
woman at Sarang
Deepika Misra later married Squadron Leader Sourabh Kakkar, an aeronautical engineer who is also part of the Sarang team
Deepika Misra married
to aeronautical engineer
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari presented the Yudh Seva Medal and other awards to several officers and air warriors at an Investiture Ceremony held at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, New Delhi