NEW DELHI: Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has scripted a historic first in India’s military history, becoming the first woman officer from the non-medical stream of the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or its equivalent two-star rank.
AVM Sharma assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on September 1, marking a significant milestone in the growing role of women in senior leadership across India’s armed forces. (indiatoday.in)
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force’s Education Branch on June 18, 1994, Sharma brings more than three decades of distinguished service, with postings across training establishments, field stations, Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters.
Her career includes several pioneering achievements. She played a key role in establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University, strengthening collaboration between defence institutions and academia. She also became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as Principal of Sainik School Kapurthala.
Her elevation is more than a personal achievement. It marks a new chapter in the journey of women officers in India’s armed forces and represents a significant step forward in breaking barriers in military leadership.
With over 30 years of service behind her, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma now stands as an inspiring example of leadership, perseverance and service to the nation.
NewsNowNation congratulates Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma on this landmark achievement and wishes her continued success in the service of the nation.
