When Deepika Misra passed out as a commissioned officer in December 2006 from Air Force Academy, her eyes were fixed on the aerobatics displays by the Surya Kirans and Sarang: the fixed- wing and rotary- wing aerobatic display teams of the Indian Air Force. Her eyes were set on joining this team, even though she knew that these particular teams were not allowed to induct lady officers. During the parade, one of her course mates had also stated that Misra should join the acrobatics team- a comment she would never forget. It seemed impossible that her dream could be ever be achieved, but as they say, some dreams do come true.
The Sarang team of IAF performs helicopter display. The word ‘Sarang’ is of Sanskrit origin, which means ‘peacock’. The team flies modified HAL Dhruv choppers, also known as ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter). It was conceptualized in 2003 and its first performance was at the Asian Aerospace Show in Singapore in 2004.
Deepika had been commissioned to fly choppers (Cheetah and Chetak) and was inducted through short- service commission. At that time, women were only allowed to fly single- engine helicopters. In 2010 finally, a major policy change took place in the IAF which allowed women pilots to convert to flying twin- engine category of medium to heavy- lift helicopters. This was the chance for women pilots to volunteer for the Sarang team. Here, Squadron Leader Deepika Misra saw a wonderful opportunity of finally realizing her dream.
The enrolment was not without struggle for the ambitious officer though. When she applied for the induction in 2012, her chances weren’t bright. She had an eighteen month old daughter, which meant that she would need time for family too. This was a concern for the Indian Air Force since it implied that she may not be able to dedicate as much time for her training and the performance of the team- both of which were grueling tasks. Eventually, it was declared that she didn’t make the cut in the first attempt. Deepika was disappointed, but not disheartened.
In 2012, she was the only woman to apply for the team. In 2013, she and two other women took the bold step of stepping out of the comfort zone and applying for the team. After a long and persistent period of tests and interviews, Deepika achieved her aim. In March 2014, she got a call which announced that she had been selected for the post. Deepika was watching a movie at the time, and says she was so excited that she exited the movie hall immediately to let her husband know the news.
Her drive to excel was met with great support from her organization. She states that she did not come across any gender disparity within the process. In her words:
“I was trained like my male counterparts; I can do this as well as them.”
Squadron Leader Deepika was the first woman to be inducted into the prestigious formation in 2015. She had to undergo special training and also complete operational conversion before she could join her dream team. As safety officer for the team, her role involves monitoring the formation display and debriefing the team members after their sortie.
Squadron Leader Deepika was soon after joined by Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Singh, the lady officer who acts as the engineering officer for the team. The two made their debut in the Aero India show at Bengaluru in 2015. The two hope that they will be able to see an all- women quartet in the Sarang team in the near future.
What is even more interesting is that Squadron Leader Deepika is married to Squadron Leader Sourabh Kakkar, who is also part of the Sarang team! He is an aeronautical engineer. This sure is a power couple!
Squadron Leader Deepika and her journey teach us to dream big and never give up hope. It doesn’t matter how long it takes or how many attempts you may undertake as long as you achieve your goal. We surely look up to you for inspiration, Squadron Leader Deepika!
