Signals of Strength: Woman Officer Recalls Backbone Role in Operation Sindoor

Amid the roar of artillery and the buzz of drones during Operation Sindoor, a woman officer from the Indian Army’s Signals regiment stood as a pillar of calm and coordination. From the battlefield’s nerve centre, she and her team managed seamless communication across units—both on the ground and in the skies—ensuring Indian forces remained connected in real-time during one of the year’s most intense military operations.

Speaking to India Today’s Gaurav Sawant from the frontlines, the officer described her role as crucial yet deeply fulfilling. “Communication is a vital bone of any battlefield. I am proud to be part of this operation,” she said. “We were deployed on the ground and handled all aspects of communication—be it terrestrial, aerial, or even videography of the conflict. Everything had to function without delay or error.”

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Indian tourists were killed while vacationing in the Baisaran meadows. In retaliation, India carried out precision strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeting the sources of the deadly assault.

The woman officer highlighted that gender plays no role on the frontlines. “There are no special provisions for women officers. We are soldiers first. We shoulder the same responsibilities and risks as our male counterparts, and we don’t seek special treatment,” she said with pride.

Her courage is rooted in personal sacrifice. Her husband, also an officer in the Signals regiment, was martyred during Operation Rhino in Arunachal Pradesh. His loss only strengthened her resolve to serve the nation. “I always thought that if I joined the Army, he would always be close to me,” she shared. “I also wanted to give my son a live example of what his father stood for.”

The story of service now continues into the next generation. Her son has expressed his desire to join the armed forces, inspired by the bravery and discipline he witnesses at home. “If I had been a homemaker, I wouldn’t have been able to give my son this experience of living a soldier’s life,” she said, visibly proud.

Operation Sindoor not only showcased India’s military might but also highlighted the vital roles women officers play in modern warfare. Whether coordinating complex communication channels or holding ground alongside combat troops, they are indispensable assets to the nation’s defence.

IT.