In the annals of Indian military history, certain names shine as beacons of courage, determination, and inspiration. Lance Naik Manju Nain is one such trailblazer who defied stereotypes and carved her place in history by becoming the first woman soldier skydiver of the Indian Army.
On 15 November 2022, she executed a daring tandem jump from 10,000 feet aboard an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv over the drop zone near Missamari in Assam. This was not just a personal triumph but a symbol of the expanding role of women in the Indian Armed Forces, proving that with perseverance and self-belief, even the skies can be conquered.
Early Life – Roots of Resilience
Hailing from Dhamtan Sahib village in Haryana’s Jind district, a region renowned for its agricultural heritage and strong community spirit, Manju Nain grew up in a modest farming family. She is the youngest of three siblings—her elder sister Reena and elder brother Darbara Singh are graduates preparing for competitive exams.
Although her parents were uneducated, they were rich in values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance, managing their livelihood through farming on their one-acre plot and additional leased land. A pivotal influence came from her paternal uncle, who inspired her to dream big and instilled in her a sense of national service.
From a young age, Manju showcased a passion for sports, excelling particularly in kabaddi, where she reached the state level. She trained at the Chaudhary Bharat Singh Memorial Sports School in Nidani, a hub for nurturing athletic talent in Haryana. This sporting background built her endurance, agility, and mental toughness, qualities that later proved indispensable in her military career.
Journey into the Indian Army
In 2019, Manju created history by being selected as one of the first batch of women soldiers inducted at the sepoy rank in the Indian Army, representing Haryana among just seven selected women. She joined the Corps of Military Police (CMP) on 14 December 2019 and began her 61-week rigorous training on 15 January 2020 at the CMP Centre and School, Bangalore.
The training prepared her for law enforcement, discipline enforcement, and operational duties within the Army. Her first posting was in the Eastern Command in Assam, where she served at Golaghat, ensuring law and order among military personnel. Known among peers as an “absolute warrior,” Manju constantly sought challenges that tested her limits.
The Historic Leap – Conquering the Skies
The highlight of her career came when she trained under the Indian Army’s Adventure Wing for skydiving. On that November morning in 2022, she boarded the ALH Dhruv, ready for her tandem jump at 10,000 feet.
As the helicopter hovered over the drop zone, she stood at the door, fearless and focused. The leap captured in video footage shows her arms outstretched in freefall, followed by the deployment of the parachute emblazoned with the Indian tricolor. She landed gracefully to applause and salutes.
Quoting a line of poetry upon landing, she said:
“Panchi ne jab jab kiya apne pankho pe vishwas,
dur dur tak ho gaya uska ye amber ye aakash.”
(Whenever a bird trusts its wings, it rules the sky.)
The Eastern Command praised her act as “inspiring,” a milestone for women soldiers in the Army.
Training and Challenges
Skydiving is not just about the jump—it involves intense physical and psychological preparation. Manju underwent training in high-altitude conditions, emergency drills, and equipment handling, relying on her athletic background to withstand the adrenaline and pressure.
Balancing her military duties with specialized training demanded immense dedication. Reflecting on her journey, she shared:
“If someone truly wants something, works hard, dedicates their time and believes in themselves, they will succeed. It all depends on how strongly they want their dream to come true.”
Role Models and Inspiration
Manju draws motivation from Rani Laxmi Bai and Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, historic figures known for their courage and leadership. She encourages young women to aim for combat roles in the Army, breaking barriers and proving their capabilities.
Legacy and Impact
Lance Naik Manju Nain’s achievement is more than just a personal milestone—it represents a significant stride toward gender inclusivity in the Indian Armed Forces. Her leap came in the same year that Captain Abhilasha Barak became the first woman combat aviator, signaling a progressive shift in the Army’s approach to women in operational roles.
Her journey—from a kabaddi-playing village girl to India’s first woman soldier skydiver—is a testament to discipline, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In her own words,
“When the bird learnt to trust its wings, it conquered the skies.”
Her story is a clarion call for aspiring leaders, professionals, and students to embrace challenges, nurture self-belief, and leave a mark in their chosen fields.
Quick Facts – Lance Naik Manju Nain
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Lance Naik Manju Nain |
| Hometown | Dhamtan Sahib, Jind, Haryana |
| Role | Corps of Military Police (Women Military Police) |
| Joined Army | December 14, 2019 |
| Training Duration | 61 weeks |
| Sports Background | State-level Kabaddi player |
| Historic Achievement | First woman soldier skydiver of Indian Army |
| Jump Date | November 15, 2022 |
| Jump Height | 10,000 feet |
| Aircraft Used | ALH Dhruv Helicopter |
| Posting | Eastern Command, Assam |
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