Wing Commander Deepika Misra was awarded the Vayu Sena medal on Thursday by Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Marshal VR Chaudhari, making her the first female Air Force officer to receive a heroism award. During the investiture event in the nation’s capital, she was one of 58 personnel who won the gallantry award. Wing Commander Deepika Misra is a qualified flying instructor, a skilled helicopter pilot, and an instrument-rated instructor and examiner.
Act of Bravery
Deepika Misra was appointed on August 2, 2021, to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in response to flash floods in northern Madhya Pradesh. Despite the odds of deteriorating weather, heavy gusts, and a rapidly approaching sunset, Deepika Misra braved the elements and was the first and only respondent to reach the damaged area that evening.
Her initial aerial survey and feedback from the flood-affected area were critical in the planning of the entire rescue operation by the IAF, the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), and other city agencies. In another case, she had to evacuate four villagers from a rooftop, and despite the extreme risk posed by restricted visibility and gushing water, she was able to save their lives. The eight-day rescue operation, which included low hover pick-ups and winching, saved the lives of 47 individuals, including women and children. Her bravery and fortitude not only saved countless lives during a natural disaster but also inspired a sense of security among the general public in the flood-affected area.
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