Gunjan Saxena, a pioneering figure in the Indian Air Force, made history as one of the first women combat aviators to serve in the Kargil War. Her bravery and dedication during this critical conflict solidified her place as an inspiration for generations to come.
Biography/Wiki
Gunjan Saxena, born in 1975 (as of 2020), is a graduate of Hansraj College, University of Delhi. Even while pursuing her degree, she displayed her passion for aviation by joining the Safdarjung Flying Club in Delhi.
Growing up in an army family fueled her desire to serve her country. A childhood experience—seeing the cockpit of an Indian Airlines plane at age five— solidified her ambition to become a pilot. She successfully navigated the rigorous SSB examination, securing her place in the first women’s batch of IAF trainee pilots in 1994, a group comprising 25 aspiring female officers.
Family & Husband
Gunjan comes from a distinguished military family. Her father, Anup Saxena, served in the Indian Army, and her brother, Anshuman Saxena, also follows in the family’s footsteps. She’s married to a fellow IAF pilot who often flies Mi-17 helicopters. Together, they have a daughter, Pragya, born in 2004.
Career
In 1994, Gunjan embarked on her IAF career alongside 25 other women. Her initial posting was in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. The Kargil War in 1999 presented her with a pivotal opportunity.
Alongside Lieutenant Srividya Rajan, she played a crucial role in Operations Vijay and Safed Sagar. Her duties encompassed:
- Medical evacuations
- Surveillance of Pakistani positions
- Supply delivery to frontline units
Kargil War
Historically, women were not permitted to fly in combat zones due to the intense physical and mental demands. However, the urgent needs of the Kargil War necessitated the deployment of all available pilots. Gunjan bravely flew into the challenging terrain, facing enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers and deliver essential supplies to the Dras and Batalik sectors.
Her missions involved navigating treacherous mountain passes under intense enemy fire. The courage and skill she displayed were exemplary.
Awards
Gunjan Saxena was rightfully honored with the Shaurya Veer Award for her extraordinary courage and dedication during the Kargil War.
Facts
Gunjan faced numerous challenges, including a lack of basic amenities like separate bathrooms and changing rooms at her Udhampur posting. She and her fellow female pilots overcame this by taking turns guarding each other’s privacy. These conditions were later improved.
Here’s a summary of key facts about Gunjan Saxena’s service:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Near Misses | Her helicopter came under fire from Pakistani troops during a mission, resulting in a narrow escape. |
| Kargil War Casualties | Approximately 500 Indian army personnel lost their lives during the Kargil conflict. |
| Nickname | Gunjan is often referred to as the “Kargil Girl.” |
| Bollywood Biopic | A Bollywood film portraying her life, starring Janhvi Kapoor, was released. |
| Post-Service | After seven years of service, she retired from the Indian Air Force in July 2004. |
Currently, Gunjan Saxena resides in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
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