SHASHWAT GUPTA RAY
Women today are breaking the glass ceiling one after another and standing tall with their male counterparts in all walks of life. In fact, are marching shoulder-to-shoulder men in the armed forces first as officers and now as non-commissioned officers or Agniveers. With twinkle in their eyes and fire in the belly, these women Agniveers posted at various units under the Goa Naval Area (GNA), are endearing a life-transforming experience serving in the navy.
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Although Prabhu Pratima Singh, Agniveer (Electric, Air) hails from a background where opportunities for girls are limited, she always wanted to do something meaningful and become independent. That’s when she decided to join the navy.
When I learned that women could join the Indian Navy as Agniveers, I decided to challenge myself. Joining the navy gives me pride, financial independence, and a chance to represent women from my community on a national platform,” Pratima says.
Naina Chauhan (Agniveer Electric Mechanic, Air Radio), chose to join the Indian Navy as an Agniveer because it offered both professional skills and personal development.
“The navy provides world-class training, technical exposure and leadership opportunities. I wanted a career that builds confidence, discipline and responsibility, and this path allows me to grow while serving the nation,” Naina informs.
Vinusha S (Agniveer Aircraft Handler) has always been attracted to challenges and a life beyond routine careers.
The Indian Navy offers adventure, team-work and the opportunity to work in demanding environments. Becoming an Agniveer allowed me to step out of my fort zone, test my capabilities, and the country with pride,” she says.
When asked about their journey so far in the force, Priyanka says, “It has been extremely enriching and transformative. The training has taught me discipline, time management and team-work. One experience I will always remember is completing my initial training milestones along with my batch mates – it showed me how teamwork and mutual support help us overcome even the toughest challenges”
For Pratima, initially, adapting to the rigorous routine was challenging, both physically and mentally.
“But with the guidance of our instructors and support from fellow Agniveers, I gradually gained confidence. A memoable moment for me was successfully completing a Hemanding training exercise which made me realise my own strength and resilience,” she says.
The journey has been full of learning and pride for Naina. “Every day brings new skills and responsibilities. The most special moment for me was wearing the naval uniform for the first time it gave me a deep sense of honour and responsibility towards the nation and motivated me to give my best,” she says.
The experience in the navy has been “truly motivating” for Vinusha. “Coming from different parts of the country, we learned to work as one team despite diverse backgrounds. I especially cherish the bond we developed during training, where we supported each other through challenges and celebrated every achievement together,” she says.
According to Anagha Neena M (Agniveer, Communication), joining the Indian Navy has completely transformed her personality. “I have become more confident, disciplined and self-reliant. Earlier, I used to hesitate in taking decisions, but now I feel capable of handling responsibilities independently, both professionally and personally,” she says.
Pratima felt that this journey has given her financial independence and a strong sense of self-worth. “I now feel empowered as a woman contributing to national service. It has also made my family proud, which is one of the biggest changes in my life,” she revealed.
For Naina, life in the navy has made her mentally stronger and physically fitter: “I have learned resilience, adaptability and how to stay calm under pressure. These qualities have positively influenced not just my career but my over-all outlook towards life,” she says.
When asked about what did they want to achieve while serving in the forces and thereafter, the sailors replied in unison that they wished to excel further in life.
During my tenure in the Indian Navy, I aim to gain maximum professional knowledge, develop leader ship qualities and excel in my assigned role. There after, I wish to continue contributing to the nation by applying the skills, discipline and values learned in the navy, wherever I serve,” says Priyanka.
Vinusha’s aim during her time in the navy is to grow into a disciplined and responsible individual who could take on challenging responsibilities.
“In the future, I want to contribute to nation-building by using the values of teamwork, integrity and
dedication that the navy has instilled in me,” she says. When asked about their message to fellow young women across the country, the young Angiveers exhorted the youngsters to believe in their abilities and never limit their dreams.
“Today, opportunities are open in every field, including the Armed Forces. With determination and hard work, women can excel in any role and contribute equally to nation-building,” says Anuradha (Ag-niveer Electric Mechanic Power).
Pratima encouraged young women to step out of their comfort zones and take up challenges fearlessly.
EDUCATIONAL AVENUES FOR AGNIVEERS
- MoU with IGNOU for award of Bachelor’s degree to XII pass Agniveers
- MoU with NIOS for award of XII certificates to-X pass Agniveers
- MoU with DGT for award of National Trade Certificate to all Agniveers
- MoU with Ministry of Skill Development Entrepreneurship towards skill mapping of Agniveers
- Recognition of HQSNC from National Council of Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), to enable training schools to award “Kaushal Praman Patra’ for Agniveers
CREATING CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR WOMEN IN INDIAN NAVY
- Navy Order on ‘Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
- Handbook on ‘Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
- Policy on ‘Prohibited Relationships in Service including Fraternisation’
- A pan-Navy (24×7) helpline ‘Sahyog’ has been established within Indian Navy for reporting of sexual harassment incidents
- Provide exclusive accommodation areas for women officers and sailors onboard ships, detailed design studies and req-uisite modifications have been catered onboard ships
- Adoption of gender-neutral language
