Gunjan Saxena: Reality of Women in Armies | Dhruv Rathee | Netflix India

Summary

This video discusses the challenges and progress of women in the Indian Armed Forces, with a focus on Gunjan Saxena, one of the first female pilots to serve during the Kargil War. It highlights her courageous contributions and the societal hurdles women face in military roles. The video also covers the legal and policy changes, including the 2020 Supreme Court ruling granting female officers the right to permanent commissions and commanding positions, though inequalities remain in combat roles. The narrative emphasizes the ongoing struggle for gender equality in defense services and the broader societal implications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gunjan Saxena's story highlights the challenges faced by women in the Indian Armed Forces and her remarkable contributions during the Kargil War.
• 😀 Women in the armed forces were historically restricted to non-combat roles, with their participation in combat positions being limited in most countries, including India.
• 😀 Gunjan Saxena became one of India's first female Air Force trainee pilots and played a crucial role during Operation Vijay in the Kargil War.
• 😀 The Supreme Court of India’s 2020 ruling granted female officers the right to pursue permanent commissions and occupy commanding positions in non-combat roles, marking progress toward gender equality in the military.
• 😀 Only 16 countries, including Norway and Canada, allowed women in combat positions by the 1980s, showing slow global acceptance of gender equality in armed forces.
• 😀 Despite societal resistance, women in military roles like Gunjan Saxena have proven that they are equally capable of fulfilling combat and leadership duties.
• 😀 The government’s arguments against female participation in combat often stem from outdated social norms and misconceptions about women’s capabilities.
• 😀 Gunjan Saxena and her fellow pilots rescued around 900 injured soldiers during the Kargil War, demonstrating women’s significant contributions in crisis situations.
• 😀 The issue of gender equality in the armed forces is not just about physical strength, but about breaking cultural barriers and providing equal opportunities for all.
• 😀 The 2020 Supreme Court ruling also addressed the discrimination faced by female officers regarding pensions, advocating for equal rights in terms of pay, rank, and benefits.
• 😀 While some progress has been made, gender inequality in military leadership positions persists, with women still excluded from combat roles and higher commanding posts in many cases.

Q & A

What are the two types of Bollywood movies the speaker enjoys?

The speaker enjoys two types of Bollywood movies: those based on real-life heroes (e.g., *Bhaag Milkha Bhaag*) and those that raise critical societal issues (e.g., *Dangal*, *Article 15*, *Oh My God*).

What key themes does the movie *Gunjan Saxena* address?

The movie *Gunjan Saxena* is based on the life of a real hero and sheds light on important societal issues, particularly the role of women in the Indian Armed Forces and the challenges they face in a traditionally male-dominated institution.

What was the societal perception of women in the Indian Armed Forces historically?

Historically, women were not considered fit for roles in the Indian Armed Forces, with society viewing them as suitable only for domestic tasks like managing the household, rather than being capable of protecting the country.

What legal milestone occurred in February 2020 regarding women in the Indian Armed Forces?

In February 2020, the Supreme Court of India ruled that female officers should be granted permanent commissions and be allowed to occupy commanding positions in non-combat roles within the armed forces, though this was not extended to combat roles.

How many female officers are currently serving in the Indian Armed Forces?

There are currently 9,449 female officers serving in the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

What significant role did Gunjan Saxena play during the Kargil War?

During the Kargil War in 1999, Gunjan Saxena participated in critical surveillance and rescue missions, including flying at altitudes of 18,000 feet and rescuing around 900 injured soldiers while delivering medical supplies to the frontlines.

How does the speaker view the progress of female officers in the Indian Armed Forces?

The speaker acknowledges the slow progress of female officers in the Indian Armed Forces, pointing to legal victories and changing perceptions, but emphasizes that true equality has not yet been fully realized, particularly in combat roles and commanding positions.

What arguments were made against allowing women in combat roles in the armed forces?

Arguments against women in combat roles included concerns about social norms, the potential psychological effects of female prisoners of war, and outdated beliefs that women could not handle the same level of commitment and sacrifice required in front-line combat.

What progress has been made regarding female officers' roles in the Indian Air Force?

In 2015, the Indian Air Force opened up fighter pilot positions to women, and in 2018, Gunjan Saxena's colleagues, Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawna Kanth, and Mohana Singh, made history as the first female fighter pilots in India.

How does the speaker suggest societal change can happen regarding gender equality?

The speaker suggests that societal change can happen by gradually shifting mindsets to promote equality between men and women, not only in the military but also in workplaces and everyday life, ensuring equal opportunities and breaking down outdated gender biases.