A dignified Border Security Force (BSF) officer, Tanu Shree Pareek, from Bikaner, Rajasthan, made history in 2016 by becoming the first female combat officer in the 51-year history of BSF. In the line of defense forces, women are not conventionally awarded combat roles in India but breaking through the glass ceiling, Tanu Shree took up this grueling challenge and emerged victoriously.
Initially, the men around her were a bit uncomfortable as she was the only woman along an entire lot of BSF trainee officers. She was in college when she joined NCC and the uniform not only gave her a sense of pride but a sense of comfort too. Her family was elated when she secured a rank in the final list of CAPF. At times, she experienced some difficulties not only as a woman but also as a commander on the field but gradually the needs were catered to. Her role in the elite force bestowed her with the responsibility of representing the female fraternity in a male-dominated area. Her position motivates and encourages women and girls to aspire for and achieve their dreams despite the challenges.
Her story of unmatched hard work and discernable passion has truly redefined the spirit of womanhood. We are extremely proud of her and salute her for promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.
