New Delhi, June 13 — In a historic milestone for the Indian Armed Forces, Major Deeksha has become the first woman officer to earn the prestigious ‘Balidan’ badge, a symbol of honour reserved exclusively for personnel of the elite Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
The badge, which signifies supreme sacrifice and exceptional valour, had until now been worn only by male soldiers who successfully completed the demanding Special Forces probation. Major Deeksha’s achievement marks a significant breakthrough in the traditionally male-dominated Special Forces community and signals a progressive step forward in the Indian Army’s efforts to promote gender equality.
Commissioned into the Army in 2018, Major Deeksha voluntarily opted for the Special Forces selection process. After undergoing months of rigorous training and assessment, she successfully cleared the probation—one of the toughest in the Indian military—and was inducted into a Special Forces unit.
According to Army sources, Major Deeksha met the same selection standards as her male counterparts. The probation process involved extreme physical endurance, tactical and weapons training, mental resilience, and survival skills. Her successful completion earned her the right to don the ‘Balidan’ badge, making her the first woman in the history of the Indian Army to do so.
The ‘Balidan’ badge, which translates to “sacrifice,” is an insignia of honour awarded only to soldiers who are officially inducted into a Special Forces battalion after successfully completing probation. It is a mark of distinction worn with pride and recognized as one of the highest honours within the Indian Army’s Special Forces community.
The Ministry of Defence and top military officials have lauded Major Deeksha’s achievement. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a proud and inspirational moment for the country, stating, “Major Deeksha’s accomplishment proves that Indian women are capable of excelling in the most elite and challenging roles within the Armed Forces.”
Former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Lt Gen (Retd) Satish Dua, also welcomed the development, calling it a “landmark moment” that would inspire more women to take on leadership roles in combat units and elite military branches.
This development comes at a time when the Indian Army is steadily expanding combat and command opportunities for women officers. In recent years, women have been inducted into artillery regiments, granted permanent commission in various branches, and now, with Major Deeksha’s accomplishment, have begun to enter elite Special Forces roles.
Defence analysts see this as a significant policy and cultural shift within the Armed Forces, reflecting a focus on capability and performance over gender.
Major Deeksha’s entry into the Special Forces is expected to pave the way for more women to take on challenging roles within India’s military framework. Her achievement stands as a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and the evolving face of the Indian Army.
With the ‘Balidan’ badge now proudly worn by a woman for the first time, Major Deeksha’s success is being hailed not just as a personal triumph but as a national milestone for inclusivity and meritocracy in the armed forces.
