The history of the Indian Army is rich with tales of valiant souls who have shown remarkable bravery and determination. One prominent figure in this narrative is Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Josyula Farida Rehana, a groundbreaking officer of the Army Medical Corps. Notably, she made history as the first woman officer in the Indian Army to qualify as a paratrooper, challenging stereotypes during a time when women were largely excluded from operational roles in the military.
Born in Mysore in 1940, Rehana exhibited academic prowess from a young age. She pursued her medical studies at Mysore Medical College, graduating with an MBBS degree and earning several honors, including a coveted gold medal in Surgery. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for her distinguished career in the military.
Amid the uncertain aftermath of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, there was a compelling need for strengthening the Armed Forces, particularly in medical roles. In 1964, driven by a sense of duty, Rehana joined the Indian Army as a medical officer in the Army Medical Corps. Yet her ambitions transcended this role; she set her sights on becoming a paratrooper in the elite Parachute Regiment.
However, her aspiration encountered immediate hurdles. At that time, women were not seen as fit for airborne units, and her requests to join the Parachute Regiment’s medical component were repeatedly declined. Despite fulfilling all professional criteria, Rehana’s applications were rejected on the basis of her gender. Reports indicate that she faced rejections at least two or three times before finally being given the green light to pursue her goal.
Her relentless determination paid off when she was posted to the prestigious 60 Parachute Field Hospital, also known as the 60 Parachute Medical Company, a unit celebrated for its operational excellence, including its contributions during the Korean War. On September 19, 1966, Rehana completed the rigorous parachute training course, securing her paratrooper wings and achieving a significant milestone as the first woman officer in the Indian Army to do so.
Rehana’s tenure with the airborne forces was an impressive 12 years out of her total 21 years of military service. During this period, she accomplished numerous parachute jumps under intense operational conditions. While estimates of her total jumps vary—some suggest close to 1,000—it is widely acknowledged that she was the first female free-fall paratrooper in the Indian Army.
Although combat roles were not open to women at that time, Rehana played a critical role within the airborne medical framework. She trained alongside her male counterparts, maintained operational readiness, and was always prepared for deployment. Her duties required extraordinary physical endurance and professionalism, all set against the backdrop of high-stakes military operations.
One of her most significant contributions occurred during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, also referred to as Operation Cactus Lily. Serving with the 60 Parachute Field Hospital, she rendered frontline surgical care on both Eastern and Western fronts. Working in close proximity to active combat zones, she provided essential medical attention to wounded soldiers, directly supporting the Army’s medical efforts during one of India’s landmark military conflicts. Her exemplary service earned her the Poorvi Star and the Paschimi Star.
Throughout her illustrious career, Rehana garnered several notable distinctions. She became the first woman officer to receive the esteemed General Choudhary’s Trophy during the 34th Medical Officers Senior Course, further solidifying her legacy within the Army Medical Corps.
Years after her retirement, Rehana’s contributions were formally acknowledged. In January 2018, the Ministry of Women and Child Development selected her as one of 112 distinguished women for the Women Achievers Award. The award was presented by then-President Ram Nath Kovind, celebrating her groundbreaking feats as the Indian Army’s first woman paratrooper and pioneering military surgeon.
Reflecting on her journey, Rehana expressed pride in the significant advancements for women in the armed forces, noting the expanded roles and improved support available to female officers today. She views these developments as a culmination of the groundwork laid by those who came before her, paving the way for the next generation.
The legacy of Lt Col (Retd.) Josyula Farida Rehana transcends her personal accolades and contributions. She demonstrated that unwavering resolve, professional excellence, and courage can dismantle stubborn institutional barriers. Long before women began occupying a broader array of operational roles in the Indian Armed Forces, Rehana had already established that abilities, not gender, should dictate opportunities. Today, her pioneering spirit continues to inspire countless women who are breaking new ground across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reaffirming the idea of resilience and dedication as vital forces in reshaping India’s military landscape.
