Gunjan Saxena Age, Husband, Family, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Gunjan Saxena

• She grew up in a family of soldiers, where her father and brother served in the Indian Army.

• Her lifelong aspiration was to join the armed forces. During an interview, when discussing her father, she recalled, “He constantly emphasized his desire for my elder brother and me to progress from riding tricycles to piloting airplanes. However, it was when my Indian Airlines pilot cousin showed me a cockpit in fifth grade that I made up my mind – I was determined to pursue a career in aviation.”

• After finishing her studies, she relocated to Delhi to pursue her undergraduate degree at Hansraj College. In addition to her academic pursuits, she also enrolled at Safdarjung Flying Club in New Delhi to acquire fundamental flying skills. Following the completion of her degree, she embarked on a job hunt to secure a position as a pilot.

• Gunjan Saxena was chosen in 1994 to be part of the inaugural group of 25 young women who became trainee pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• Her first assignment was in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir (Himachal Pradesh). During an interview, she mentioned that when she and her course mate reached the Udhampur unit, they realized that essential facilities like a separate restroom and changing room for women were missing. To ensure privacy, she and her female course mates took turns guarding the area while the others changed clothes. Luckily, this makeshift arrangement did not last long.

• During the Kargil War in 1999, Gunjan Saxena and Srividya Rajan were given the chance to showcase their bravery. Together, they flew a small Cheetah helicopter through dangerous mountainous areas to provide medical assistance, identify enemy positions, and rescue wounded soldiers. Gunjan Saxena’s exceptional determination and skills were evident during Operation Vijay in Kargil, making her the first female pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to achieve such a feat.
• During the NDTV interview, she expressed that the evacuation of injured Indian Army soldiers greatly inspired her during the war. Being a helicopter pilot, this experience was undeniably the most exhilarating she had ever encountered. Her utmost duty was to conduct casualty evacuation missions, and the fulfillment of saving lives in that role was immeasurable.
• Gunjan Saxena’s service as a chopper pilot came to an end in July 2004 after seven years due to the discrimination faced by women in the Indian Military, particularly in combat zones. The role of women in the military has always been a topic of discussion, and their service is often shortened in comparison to their male counterparts.

• The army recognized her exceptional service in the war zone and bestowed upon her the prestigious Shaurya Chakra Award. This gallantry award is presented to individuals who display extraordinary bravery, courage, or selflessness while not directly engaged in combat with the enemy. By receiving this honor, she made history as the first woman to be bestowed with this esteemed recognition.

• Known as the “Kargil Girl,” she is frequently mentioned by this title. Following her service as a short service commissioned officer, she now resides in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with her family as a homemaker, having married an IAF officer.

• Watch this video that showcases Gunjan Saxena’s remarkable journey.

• Gunjan Saxena’s untitled biopic saw the entry of Jhanvi Kapoor in 2018. Positioned on the left is Gunjan Saxena, while on the right we find Jhanvi Kapoor.

• If you want to see Gunjan Saxena’s biography, watch the video provided below.