This medal was given to the distinguished officer, a helicopter pilot from Rajasthan, for acting with “exceptional courage & valor” during a Madhya Pradesh flood relief operation.
Award Ceremony
At an investiture ceremony held at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, the head of the Indian Air Force, presented several officers and airmen with well-deserved honours.
47 lives were saved due to Wing Commander Deepika Misra’s brave deed. When Madhya Pradesh experienced flash floods in August 2021, she undertook a disaster relief operation there. She persevered through bad weather and powerful winds to aid in evacuating numerous victims of flash floods. She flew to the affected area several times throughout the seven-day rescue effort and saved 47 lives, including women and children.
Her selfless deed not only assisted in saving lives but also gave flood victims hope that the military would overcome all obstacles to provide all necessary relief & rescue. Although female Indian Air Force officers have previously received awards, this is the first female officer to receive a gallantry medal, making the occasion all the more noteworthy.
First IAF Officer to Get Gallantry Award
In the Indian Air Force (IAF), Wing Commander Deepika Misra, writing history, is the first female officer to receive a gallantry award. Last year, the President gave Wing Commander Deepika Misra the Vayu Sena Medal for Valor. On the 20th of April, 2023, she was presented with the medal by IAF Chief Air Marshal VR Chaudhari at a ceremony held in the nation’s capital.
Several additional officers and Air Force jawans also received honours at the Investiture Ceremony held in Subroto Park’s Air Force Auditorium. Two IAF officers received the Yudh Seva medal, while thirteen other officers and thirty others received the Vayu Sena (gallantry) and thirty Visihisht Seva medals, respectively.
Remarks
Air Force Public Relations Officer Ashish Moghe commented, “Today we awarded the Vayu Sena Medal gallantry, Vayu Seva Medal, and Vishishth Seva Medal as well as Yudh Seva Medal. We have a category of these which have been given, including the Yudh Seva Medal and Vayu Seva Medal for gallant action and the Vayu Sena Medal and Vishishth Seva Medal for outstanding service to the nation,” according to ANI.
The number of women assuming leadership positions in the Indian armed forces has increased dramatically in recent years. Women make significant advancements in traditionally male-dominated fields by enlisting, completing demanding training programs, and serving in combat zones. These trailblazers are redefining the military by challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and redefining what it means to be a soldier.
The Indian Air Force’s Garud unit personnel helped with the rescue effort following the Trikut Hills ropeway accident in Deoghar, Jharkhand, regarded as one of the trickiest rescue operations, were also among the honorees, as were even the person who took part in the protest.
