Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma becomes first woman officer to reach two-star rank

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has assumed charge as assistant Chief of the Air Staff (education) at air headquarters, becoming the first woman officer outside the medical stream to reach two-star rank in any Indian armed service.

She took over the appointment on September 1, officials confirmed. The officer was previously serving at the rank of air commodore.

Three decades in uniform

Commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994, AVM Sharma brings more than 30 years of service across training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and the Air Headquarters.

The Defence Ministry described the appointment as "a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force" and a marker of a "new chapter in the journey of women officers in the Indian defence forces".

Academic and institutional legacy

During her career, AVM Sharma led the establishment of IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University to strengthen academic and strategic defence collaboration.

She also created history as the first woman officer from the tri-services to command a Sainik School, serving as principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.

The Ministry said she continues to inspire generations to "Touch the Sky with Glory", the motto of the Indian Air Force.

Source: The Hindu