It is always mission possible for these Defence women

Visakhapatnam: They step into a field where not many dare to, their targets never go amiss, their mission is tough to accomplish as it requires constant alertness, confidence and courage-all in equal proportions.

This is in short about the three women officers employed in varied departments of Eastern Naval Command-Staff Observer, INS Dega Lieutenant Varsha, Air Traffic Control Officer, INS Dega Lieutenant Commander Pallavi Pramar and Staff Officer, Metallurgy and Oceanography ENC Headquarters Commander Vishwarajshree. They recount their experiences and challenging roles in the Defence Services on the occasion of International Women’s Day.    

Staff Observer, INS Dega Lieutenant Varsha
Gurugram-based Varsha says that the defence service is the right career choice for her as it delights her. After completing her post-graduation in Biotechnology, Varsha decided to join the Navy as she could not place her heart in a nine-to-five cookie-cutter job. “Growing up to see my uncle becoming a Brigadier did sow the seeds of interest in me to enter the Services.

Fortunately, I got into a sphere that I always aspired for,” says the 27-year-old lieutenant. Being part of air crew, the flying schedule is very uncertain and this requires observers to be prepared 24/7 for any sort of mission.

But despite the high risk element involved in each mission, the profession does give a sense of accomplishment,” says Varsha, who feels excited to conquer the skies by coordinating with the pilots in the Dornier aircraft. “However, in times of emergencies, we are tuned to stay calm and take wise decisions to save lives,” she adds.  

Air Traffic Control Officer, INS Dega, Lieutenant Commander Pallavi Pramar
Lieutenant Commander Pallavi Pramar says that her primary area of focus is safety of the passengers and the crew as she is adept in controlling both civil and military aircrafts with ease, ensuring their prompt landing and take-off at any given point of time. “Our job profile demands 100 per cent accuracy and efficiency in air space management as mistakes do not exist in our dictionary,” she clarifies, brimming with pride.

The ATC officer says that keeping the aircraft safe and facilitating efficient route demands tremendous levels of concentration and that she is tuned to it. About those who aspire to enter the Defence Services, Lt. Commander Pallavi Pramar urges them to explore the opportunities galore in the field as the career growth in the sector is promising sans gender bias. About safety at workplace, Lt. Commander Pallavi Pramar quickly adds, “I think we are far safer here than any other place outside.”

By Rani Devalla