Every year on July 26, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas, a solemn and proud occasion to honour the memory and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who protected our land during the Kargil War of 1999. This war, which began on May 3, 1999, and ended with India’s victory on July 26, remains etched in the nation’s memory as a moment of unmatched courage and patriotism. But while we remember the grit of the soldiers who fought on the front lines, we often forget the stories of some remarkable women who, too, played a significant role in this victory.

These women were not just silent supporters; they were in the thick of action—pilots flying rescue missions under fire, medical officers treating the injured in tense environments, communication experts managing vital connections, logistics personnel delivering supplies through dangerous zones, and legal and technical officers ensuring all systems functioned seamlessly. Their bravery added a new dimension to the Indian Army’s strength, showing the world that when it comes to serving the nation, women stand just as tall.

This article remembers ten incredible women who stood fearlessly during the 1999 Kargil conflict and gave their all. They were not just professionals; they were heroes, each leaving behind a legacy of dedication, selflessness, and courage. Their stories are a powerful reminder that national service is not bound by gender—it is bound by resolve.

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl Who Flew Into Fire

“Former Indian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, famously known as the ‘Kargil Girl,’ hails from Delhi.” In the year 1999, Gunjan Saxena became a symbol of courage when she took part in the Kargil War. She was the only woman officer from the Indian Air Force to be actively involved in the war, marking a historic moment not just for women in the armed forces, but for India itself.

Gunjan joined the Indian Air Force in 1994 as part of the very first batch of women trainee pilots. During the war, she flew the Cheetah helicopter—a lightweight aircraft used in high-altitude rescue and supply operations. What made her role so extraordinary was the nature of her missions. She had to fly into dangerous war zones where enemy shelling was a constant threat, just to evacuate injured soldiers from high-altitude posts.

Despite the dangers, she completed these missions with unmatched bravery. Her fearlessness and strong commitment made her a national hero. For her courageous efforts in the line of duty, she was awarded the prestigious Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

A detailed account of her role can also be found in the book The Kargil Girl by Kiran Nirvan.

Flight Lieutenant Sreevidya Rajan: Courage in the Skies

“Flight Lieutenant Sreevidya Rajan from Kerala played a crucial role in the 1999 Kargil War.” She served in the Indian Air Force for over a year before being deployed to Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir, a region crucial during the war.

During the fierce days of battle, Sreevidya was stationed at the Srinagar Air Base, operating closely alongside Gunjan Saxena. Both were part of the 25-woman trainee pilot cohort in the IAF. But instead of being sidelined, they were sent on real and dangerous missions. In their Cheetah helicopters, these women flew into hostile areas not only to rescue the wounded but also to deliver essential supplies—like food and medical gear—to forward operating bases located in some of the most remote and hazardous parts of Kargil.

Flight Lieutenant Sreevidya flew several risky missions, often under fire, to make sure Indian soldiers had the support they needed. She made sure critically injured soldiers reached hospitals in time, and that isolated posts remained supplied. Her actions saved many lives and proved that courage isn’t defined by uniform rank or gender—it’s defined by action.

Captain Ruchi Sharma: Keeping Communication Alive Amidst War

“During the 1999 Kargil War, Captain Ruchi Sharma of the Indian Army’s Signals Corps flawlessly handled the critical responsibility of maintaining communication lines.” Her job wasn’t just about wires and radios—it was about keeping the lifeline of war operations running. In battle, especially in difficult terrains like Kargil, staying connected can be the difference between life and death.

Captain Ruchi Sharma joined the Indian Army in 1996 and chose to serve in the Signals Corps, which is responsible for military communications. But she wasn’t just any officer—she made history as “India’s First Woman Operational Paratrooper.”

During the war, she had to set up and maintain communication systems in mountainous terrain, often at altitudes where oxygen was low and risks were high. Her work helped Indian troops coordinate operations, request support, and stay in touch with command centers. Without her expertise, soldiers in isolated positions might have lost contact at critical moments.

In recognition of her excellence, Captain Sharma received the ‘General Oberoi Trophy’ in 1999, awarded to the “Best Lady Adventurer” in her corps. Later, she was also honoured with the “President’s Commendation”, a mark of outstanding military service and bravery.

Dr. Prachi Garg: The Healing Force Amidst Gunfire

“Hailing from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Major Dr. Prachi Garg holds the distinct honour of being the only woman medical officer to serve in the Kargil War.” This rare distinction isn’t just a title—it reflects her unmatched courage, compassion, and grit during one of India’s most testing times. In 1999, when the Kargil War unfolded in the treacherous Himalayan terrain, Dr. Garg was the only female military officer serving with the 8 Mountain Division, a key unit in the war operations.

Dr. Garg began her journey in the Indian Army in 1997 as a medical officer. What set her apart was not just her knowledge in medicine, but her fearless service under constant threat. During the war, she was stationed in the Drass sector, one of the most dangerous and high-altitude combat zones in the conflict. There, she became a lifeline for soldiers who were critically wounded and suffering in extreme cold.

She provided emergency treatment and medical support under relentless pressure, often surrounded by sounds of gunfire and the cry for help. “During the war, Dr. Garg was deployed as a medical officer in the Drass sector, where she treated approximately 200 injured soldiers.” These weren’t just numbers—they were lives that survived because of her skill and humanity.

Her bravery hasn’t been forgotten and has been cited in multiple interviews, including military forums and army medical journals, highlighting how one woman, armed with medical tools and a strong heart, stood firm when others were falling around her.

Captain Yashika Tyagi: Logistics Commander with Steely Resolve

“From Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi began her service with the Indian Army in 1994.” What followed was an inspiring journey that shattered many assumptions about what women could endure and achieve in extreme conditions. By 1997, she had already created history by becoming the first woman officer posted to Leh, one of the most harsh and frigid regions under Army control.

But her true test came in 1999, during the Kargil War. At a time when even seasoned officers would think twice, Captain Tyagi stepped forward to lead logistics operations, and she did it while in her second trimester of pregnancy. “It was during her tenure in Leh, and despite being in her second trimester of pregnancy, that Captain Harwal courageously managed crucial logistical operations for the Kargil War.”

Handling logistics in wartime isn’t just about managing goods—it’s about ensuring that soldiers get their food, weapons, and survival equipment at exactly the right time. She handled supply chains under extreme weather, coordinating the movement of strategic rations and equipment that directly supported those on the frontlines.

For her unshakable service, she was awarded the ‘Operation Vijay Star’ and made history once again by becoming the first woman officer in the Indian Army to receive a War Despatch, a written communication recognizing gallant service in war. 

Major Priya Jhingan: The Legal Backbone of the Battlefield

“From Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Major Priya Jhingan stands as a pioneering woman officer in the Indian Army.” Her entry into the Army broke ground for countless women who followed. During the Kargil War, she used her legal training and administrative acumen to support soldiers not with a weapon, but with the power of law and strategic support.

Major Jhingan’s responsibilities extended across various military departments. “During the Kargil War, she played a crucial role across various departments, including long-term logistics, general logistics, and the Judge Advocate General (JAG) department.” In simple terms, she handled the paperwork that ensured battlefield rules were followed, and that every soldier had proper legal protection and advice in highly sensitive situations.

She was not just a figure behind the desk—she was a leader who ensured discipline, order, and efficiency in wartime administration. Her pioneering status was nationally recognized when “In February 2018, Major Priya Jhingan was honoured by the then President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, as one of 112 prominent women who have contributed significantly to various fields in the country.”

Her legacy as one of the first women to be commissioned into the Indian Army continues to be celebrated in military literature.

Major Vandana Sharma: From Ordnance to Icon

“Major Vandana Sharma played a pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War, with her military contributions being both recorded and lauded in the history of the Army Ordnance Corps.” While her name may not be familiar to all, her work behind the scenes made a powerful difference. She ensured that the Army Ordnance Corps—the wing responsible for storing and supplying equipment—operated smoothly during the war.

Over the years, Major Sharma’s career has spanned more than 25 years, extending far beyond the battlefield into corporate leadership, public speaking, and international recognition. But it was her service during the Kargil War that first brought her into the spotlight.

Her exceptional journey earned her prestigious awards. “In 2017, Vandana Sharma was honoured as the ‘Woman Icon’ for the Asia-Pacific region by BERG Singapore. In the same year, she also received the prestigious ‘Woman of Substance’ award from SHL Diagnostic.”

Her name now appears in leadership circles, not only as a retired officer but as a symbol of transformation, grit, and grace. Her story has been celebrated in global conferences, defence panel discussions, and women's leadership initiatives across Asia.

Wing Commander Deepika Misra: Flying Through Fire in the Batalik Skies

“On June 8, 1999, during the Kargil War, Lucknow’s Wing Commander Deepika Misra was on a critical mission in the Batalik sector, involved in both the deployment and safe evacuation of soldiers via her Mi-17 helicopter.” This wasn’t just a routine flight—it was a mission deep into enemy-infested terrain, where each second in the air was filled with uncertainty and danger.

During this risky operation, her Mi-17 helicopter came under direct enemy attack, struck by a surface-to-air missile, a weapon powerful enough to bring down any aircraft. The impact caused a severe injury to her leg, but even in that moment of pain and threat, Wing Commander Misra refused to abandon her post or her fellow soldiers. “Despite her helicopter being struck by an enemy surface-to-air missile, which caused a severe injury to her leg, she courageously continued to fly.”

What followed was an extraordinary act of courage. She managed to complete the mission, ensuring that troops were dropped where they were needed and that the injured were brought back to safety. Her determination, even while bleeding and under pressure, showed a level of bravery that very few ever display.

For her actions, she was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) in 1999, making history as the first woman IAF officer to receive a gallantry award. 

Wing Commander Manisha Krishnatri: Eyes on the Borders, Mind on the Mission

“Joining the Indian Air Force in 1994 at the age of 23, Wing Commander Manisha Krishnatri from Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh, played a crucial role during the Kargil War.” While many recall the faces in helicopters and tanks, the war also depended heavily on the intelligence and guidance from technical commanders like Manisha Krishnatri.

She was responsible for managing the Air Defence Control System based in Punjab, a command centre that oversaw information from sensitive border regions and coordinated immediate action based on live data. “She expertly managed the Punjab-based Air Defence Control System, which involved continuous analysis of information from border areas and intense surveillance.”

Her job required real-time surveillance, interpreting critical data, and giving timely instructions to units on the ground and in the air. It was her quick and accurate decision-making that ensured the speed, accuracy, and transparency of Indian Air Force actions during the war. Her role might not have been in the spotlight, but it was essential in shaping effective combat outcomes.

“Her efficient guidance led to immediate and informed decisions, ensuring the transparency and speed of operations and significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness of IAF operations.” With her leadership and calm under pressure, she became a role model for junior officers, proving that women could not only lead but also command respect in the most critical war zones.

Major General Anju Manchanda: Healing the Broken, Honouring the Brave

“Major General Anju Manchanda from Delhi became the first woman officer in the Indian Army to hold the post of Deputy Director General Medical Services.” Her name has become synonymous with both medical excellence and battlefield care.

During the Kargil War, Major General Manchanda was not stationed on the field, but at the Army R&R Hospital in Delhi, where waves of wounded soldiers were brought for treatment. But her role wasn’t limited to just medical oversight. “During the 1999 Kargil War, deployed at the Army R&R Hospital in Delhi, Anjum Manchanda played a vital role in the treatment of soldiers wounded in the conflict.”

She personally ensured that every soldier who arrived injured from the frontlines received timely and proper care. Her commitment turned the hospital into a sanctuary of survival, offering hope, healing, and strength to those who had faced death just hours earlier.

“She spearheaded the care for injured soldiers arriving at the hospital, ensuring they received the necessary medical attention.” Her work helped save hundreds of lives and restore the spirits of soldiers who were desperate to return to the battlefield. Later, her achievements would be recognised with promotions and honours, and she would become a symbol of compassionate leadership in military medicine.

The narratives presented here shows without doubt how extraordinary and essential the contributions of women were during the 1999 Kargil War. These were not side stories. These women—pilots, commanders, legal experts, doctors, and logistic officers—were at the heart of India’s military victory.

“Far from being relegated to supporting roles, these ten individuals served as frontline warriors, critical lifelines, and essential strategic assets, demonstrating unparalleled bravery and dedication under immense pressure.” From flying through enemy fire to stabilising injured soldiers and ensuring critical supplies reached battle posts, their presence ensured that the Indian forces remained resilient and connected.

They didn’t just support the war—they shaped its outcome. “From piloting helicopters through treacherous combat zones to evacuate the wounded and deliver vital supplies, to providing crucial medical care amidst the chaos, their direct involvement saved countless lives and sustained operations.”

Even behind the scenes, women were running critical communications, decoding intelligence, managing equipment chains, and keeping legal frameworks intact. “Beyond the immediate battlefield, women also managed complex logistics, maintained vital communication networks in extreme conditions, and provided crucial legal guidance to troops.”

These contributions reveal a powerful truth: women are not just capable—they are indispensable. Their stories shatter old beliefs and light the way for thousands of future officers who dream of serving the nation.

“Their actions stand as a lasting inspiration, reinforcing the profound impact of individual courage and collective determination in the face of adversity.”