Captain Deeksha C. Mudadevannanavar is the first female officer to be commissioned into the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army’s elite special forces unit. She hails from Davangere in the state of Karnataka. In October 2019, Captain Deeksha C. Mudadevannanavar was appointed to the MH Golconda of the Indian Army via the Short Service Commission (SSC). Captain Deeksha was a member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), and after being promoted, she continued her training for the MOBC at the Army Medical Corps Center in Lucknow. The Indian Army’s Medical Corps officers must complete the MOBC as a prerequisite.
After finishing the initial phase of the course, Captain Deeksha was sent to the 303 Field Hospital in Leh’s Tangtse. Interestingly, Captain Deeksha attempted twice to enlist in the Parachute Regiment but was rejected both times. She was immediately conferenced out since her physical capabilities were inadequate. Colonel Shivesh Singh, Captain Deeksha’s commanding officer, inspired her to sign up for the military again. Captain Deeksha’s second try resulted in an injury, which prevented her from being chosen for the Parachute Regiment.
Captain Deeksha eventually made it through the Paratrooper selection process and was subsequently chosen for Special Forces in December 2022, despite the fact that the female officer had been injured.
According to Captain Deeksha, wanting to pursue a “difficult and unusual job” was what motivated her to enlist in the Indian Army. Captain Deekhsa admitted that she has always desired a career that would allow her to contribute back to society. Captain Deeksha’s involvement with the National Cadet Corps strengthened her determination to enlist in the Indian Army and support her country.
“I was in NCC before I joined the army,” the officer said. Captain Deeksha said, “There, I was inspired by the soldiers’ discipline and adventurous lifestyle. The female officer also identified Colonel Bindu Nair as her role model. Captain Deeksha remarked of her first effort to be chosen in 2021, “She inspired me to join Para.
In addition, the officer disclosed that throughout her duty and training, she encountered the same difficulties and obstacles as any Gentleman Officer. Captain Deeksha admitted during the interview that one of the hardest things about being a medical officer was the fact that being sick was not an option. Captain Deeksha, a medical officer in a special forces unit, is supposed to be the first to become accustomed to challenging weather and terrain in order to protect the safety of her soldiers. Importantly, Captain Deeksha was assigned to Operation Dost in Turkey following a severe earthquake.
