Her grandparents lived in Pune and as her father worked with the Railways, she moved places with him and completed studies in various schools. Before studying MBBS at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, she completed her 12th from Fergusson College. She has fond memories of the city. She spoke to Mubarak Ansari on phone about the life of women in the Armed Forces and their increasing role in the backdrop of the SC judgement giving permanent commission to women.
How have women evolved in Armed Forces over the years?
Women started working in the medical field after the World War and gradually other arms were opened for them. Men are used to working with female staff in the medical branch. We cannot change the condition of society overnight. These things need to be done gradually. When it is done step wise, then organisation also changes and makes facilities accordingly. It is nice that now permanent commission is being given. Earlier, they were given short commission. Women are being given opportunity to command now. Change should not be drastic but gradual, continuous and which can be sustained.
What changes have you seen over the years that have helped women?
I have seen a big difference in approach for facilities for women from when I joined the Armed Forces in 1982 and what they are nowadays. When I had joined, there was minimal two months of maternity leave. Nowadays, we get six months of maternity leave plus child care leave. Earlier, there was no concrete spouse co-location posting. Myself and my husband (Lt Gen Rajeev Kanitkar) have not been posted together for 24 years. Today, spouse co-location is attempted most of the times. It may not always be possible but it is facilitated to a large extent. The third difference I have seen is that now more women are serving in the field. My batch was the first to go field posting. Today, there are girls not only from medical field but also from engineers, supply, signals, who are doing field posting. Though they are not being posted to high altitude and extreme climate conditions, they are posted in counter-insurgency and in the field. This is a huge change from what it was in my time.
What is your message to girls who want to make a career in Armed Forces?
Being a nephrologist, I would have earned lakhs of rupees per month easily very early in my career in the private sector. Many people join corporate sector because money is a big factor. But in Armed Forces, it is not about money. There is prestige, honour and quality of life. Armed Forces is a way of life. I can’t imagine being in corporate sector. Being a super specialist, I got offers many times from private sector. In our society, people are proud of soliders, teachers and doctors. And I am all three. I am honoured to get so much love and respect from people, only because I donned the uniform. The girls should give a try to opportunities in the Armed Forces.
