For decades, the Indian Air Force seemed out of reach for women. Cockpits, control rooms and combat zones belonged to men — until a few fearless officers stepped in and rewrote the rules.

They flew fighter jets and rescue missions, led from the frontlines and the boardrooms, and changed how India looked at its skies. Today, we celebrate the women who turned courage into everyday duty — and opened the runway for generations to come.

Wing Commander Dr Vijaylakshmi Ramanan broke through barriers long before the phrase ‘glass ceiling’ was even well-known. In 1955, she became the first woman officer of the Indian Air Force, serving as a medical officer. She was not only the first woman to wear a saree as a uniform but also designed it herself in the signature IAF blue.

"Other women officers in the army and navy wore pants. I wore a saree, but the sleeve was an issue. After several correspondences with my headquarters, it was decided that the blouse would have 3/4th sleeves. When that was uncomfortable during babies' deliveries, I told them I would roll up my sleeves like a man and work," she once shared.

Ramanan was also part of the medical team that tended to wounded soldiers during the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars. She was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1977, two years before retiring as a Wing Commander in 1979.

© The Better India