Lt Col (Dr) Josyula Farida Rehana stands out in the chronicles of the Indian Army as its first woman paratrooper — a pioneering figure who combined the precision of a surgeon with the daring spirit of a soldier. At a time when the presence of women in airborne operations was almost unimaginable, she defied both military and societal constraints. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she embodied courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to breaking convention.
Early Life and Breaking Barriers:
Lt Col Rehana’s path to military distinction was neither easy nor straightforward. Drawn to medicine but equally inspired by adventure, she joined the Army Medical Corps (AMC), the principal avenue for women aspiring to serve in uniform. Yet she aspired to more than a conventional medical role — she wanted to be a paratrooper, a dream confined then to the all-male ranks of the elite Parachute Regiment.
When she first applied for paratroop training in the mid-1960s, the authorities rejected her outright, arguing that women could not handle the physical and operational demands of airborne service. She applied again and faced another rejection, but her persistence did not wane. Her exceptional competence and determination eventually won her a place in the training program, marking a quiet yet groundbreaking shift in military policy.
In 1966, she made history by earning her paratrooper “wings,” becoming the first woman in the Indian Army qualified to join airborne operations. Her achievement predated by decades the formal opening of combat and airborne roles to women in the armed forces.
The Dual Identity: Surgeon and Paratrooper
Farida Rehana’s military career is remarkable for its unique fusion of healing and combat readiness. Serving 21 years in uniform, she spent 12 of those years attached to Para units, combining medical expertise with the rigours of airborne life. Her jump record was extraordinary — over 1,000 jumps, including at least one free fall, a feat demanding precision, courage, and endurance.
Her dual role was not just symbolic. As a paratrooper-surgeon, she brought medical intervention directly to operational zones, a rare capability even among her male peers. She could leap into remote locations to provide immediate surgical care to the injured, bridging the critical gap between injury and survival on the battlefield. Her achievement also made her the first woman surgeon in the Indian Army to hold paratrooper status, an honour that solidified her standing as a pathbreaker.
Service During the 1971 Indo-Pak War
Every soldier’s mettle is tested in times of war, and for Lt Col Rehana, that crucible came during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, which resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh. Although women officers then were restricted from direct combat roles, medical officers stationed in forward areas faced the same dangers as their male counterparts.
By 1971, Lt Col Rehana was a seasoned officer, and her airborne training placed her in a unique position within war operations. She served in forward medical units, treating the wounded under pressure and ensuring the efficiency of evacuation and emergency care amid the chaos of battle. While specific operational details remain classified, records acknowledge her courageous presence in the theatre of conflict and her role in supporting troops from Para formations. Her actions during the war underscored the indispensable contribution of women officers to India’s military success and humanitarian conduct in wartime.
Despite her trailblazing career, Lt Col Rehana remained relatively unknown to the general public for decades, her legacy celebrated mainly within military circles. National recognition came much later, as the government sought to acknowledge women who had pioneered across professions.
In 2018, the Ministry of Women and Child Development honoured her among the “First Ladies” — a list of 112 Indian women who were the first in their fields. On 20 January 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind felicitated her at Rashtrapati Bhavan, formally recognising her as the first woman paratrooper of the Indian Army. This tribute reaffirmed her enduring impact as a soldier, doctor, and symbol of gender equality in the armed forces.
Lt Col Rehana’s personal background reflects the plural and inclusive ethos characteristic of the Indian armed forces. Her full name, “Josyula Farida Rehana,” reflects a blend of Telugu and Muslim identities — “Josyula” is a Telugu Brahmin surname, and “Farida Rehana” is of Islamic origin. This composite identity points to an upbringing marked by diversity and a spirit of unity that resonates with the military’s secular fabric.
She is believed to have strong links to Mysuru, Karnataka, where she settled after retirement. Maintaining a low public profile, she continued to be active within veteran circles and remained a figure of respect and admiration among both retired servicemen and younger officers. Details of her family life are discreetly kept private, in keeping with the modest traditions of her generation of officers.
Lt Col (Dr) J. Farida Rehana’s life redefined what was possible for women in the Indian armed forces. Her courage to challenge rules, persistence in the face of rejection, and excellence in both surgery and military skills made her a living symbol of aspiration and equality. Her thousand jumps stand not merely as a measure of daring, but as a metaphor for the leaps in progress she inspired within the institution she served.
By earning her paratrooper wings in 1966 and serving in the war five years later, she bridged the divide between healer and warrior, professionalism and passion, gender and merit. Her story continues to inspire today’s women officers who serve across combat, aviation, and command roles in the Indian military. For them, Lt Col Rehana’s legacy serves as both foundation and flight path — proof that determination, when matched with excellence, can defy gravity and history alike.