Captain (Retd.) Reeta Rajkishor Biyani, renowned as Ritu Biyani, has etched her name in the annals of the Indian Armed Forces’ history. As a former officer in the Army Dental Corps, she not only became the first lady paratrooper from the corps but also carved a path as the first woman from the Maheshwari Marwari community to join the Indian Army. Her life story, rich with resilience and adventure, has evolved into an inspiring narrative of cancer awareness and advocacy.
Hailing from Maharashtra and born around 1960, Biyani grew up in a family that deeply valued education, discipline, and public service. Her father, Professor R. S. Biyani, was a civil engineer and educator, and her mother, Asha Biyani, infused the family with artistic and cultural values. Early familial tales of patriotism and sacrifice during India’s freedom struggle significantly influenced her perspectives.
Biyani pursued her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Government Dental College and Hospital in Nagpur. During this period, she actively engaged with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), nurturing a passion for military life and adventure sports. Her fervor for athletics, badminton, and volleyball solidified her ambition to join the Armed Forces when few women considered such a path.
In November 1981, after successfully navigating the rigorous selection process—including medical examinations and military training at the Armed Forces Medical College Training Centre in Lucknow—she was commissioned into the Army Dental Corps. This milestone signified not just her entry into the military but also marked a major achievement for the Maheshwari Marwari community.
Her first assignment in Sikkim required her to deliver dental care under challenging conditions, showcasing her commitment to the health of soldiers. Throughout her decade-long service in remote and high-altitude postings, she often stood as the sole woman officer in her unit, gaining immense respect for her professionalism and dedication despite the tough environments.
In a remarkable feat, just two years into her military career, Biyani volunteered for parachute training. After successfully completing the rigorous program, she earned her parachute wings, becoming the first female paratrooper from the Army Dental Corps. She further enhanced her repertoire with training in mountaineering, skiing, and skydiving—achievements that were exceptional for women officers at the time.
Biyani retired in 1992 with the rank of Captain after nearly ten years of service. The discipline and confidence she cultivated in the Army would continue to guide her life beyond military service.
However, her life took a daunting turn in September 2000 when she was diagnosed with high-risk breast cancer at the age of 40. While managing her demanding treatment, which included surgeries and chemotherapy, she simultaneously raised her young daughter, Tista. Rather than succumbing to despair, Biyani confronted her diagnosis with the same determination she cultivated in the Army.
Recognizing the misconceptions surrounding cancer, she felt a profound obligation to raise awareness. In 2006, alongside Tista, she launched Project High>>>Ways, India’s inaugural long-distance adventure drive for cancer awareness. Over 177 days, they traveled more than 30,000 kilometres across India’s diverse landscapes, educating communities about breast, cervical, and oral cancers. The campaign reached 26 states and four Union Territories, making significant impacts in schools, hospitals, and military facilities.
The expedition drew national acclaim and earned a spot in the Limca Book of Records. Motivated by the project’s success, Biyani founded the non-profit initiative Highways Infinite, dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families through education and advocacy. To date, the organization has facilitated thousands of awareness sessions, impacting hundreds of thousands across the nation.
Biyani’s resolve did not waver post-cancer; she achieved remarkable physical feats, such as trekking approximately 120 kilometers to Kumar Post on the Siachen Glacier, and became the first breast cancer survivor to complete the grueling Raid-de-Himalaya motorsport rally. These milestones demonstrated her belief that a cancer diagnosis does not curtail one’s ambitions.
Her advocacy has achieved international recognition, leading to an invitation in 2011 to collaborate as an external expert with the World Health Organization’s Guideline Development Group. Here, she contributed to developing recommendations for the early detection and referral of cancer patients in low and middle-income countries. Additionally, she has participated as a motivational speaker and delivered influential TEDx talks while continuing her dental practice.
Captain Biyani’s remarkable journey has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple entries in the Limca Book of Records and over fifty awards that recognize her contributions across healthcare, women’s empowerment, adventure sports, and cancer awareness.
Her legacy transcends personal achievements; as a pioneering figure in the Armed Forces and a resilient cancer survivor, Captain Reeta Biyani has dismantled traditional barriers while transforming personal adversity into a mission that has profoundly impacted countless lives. She remains a symbol of courage, inspiring future generations—particularly women aspiring to join the Armed Forces—to pursue excellence and serve society with passion and dedication.
