Wing Commander Deepika Misra becomes the first woman in the Indian Air Force to be honoured with a gallantry award for an act of ‘exceptional courage’, displayed during the flood relief operation in Madhya Pradesh (2021). She is a helicopter pilot from Rajasthan who made history in the Indian Air Force.
The rescue operation had low hover pick-ups, which went on for eight days. Wing Commander Deepika Misra saved the lives of 47 people, including women and children. Not only did her act of bravery save lives, but it also instilled a sense of security among the people who were victims of the natural disaster.
A total of 58 people was presented with the awards, of which 57 were presented to IAF officers and one from the army.
Image source: NDTV