The Tragic Story of Shanti Tigga – The First Woman Jawan in Indian Army

With the new wave of feminism in India and breaking stereotypes, The Indian Army is finally fulfilling its due. In a society like India, it is not easy for a woman to break the barrier and set an example but some did, and we live in awe of them. Shanti Tigga is one of those women. When a widowed 35 years old mother of two outperformed all the male candidates of her group and made it to the first woman jawan in Indian Army, many still could not believe it. Although she does not have a happy ending, her story is something that will inspire thousands of rural women in India. 

The Journey of Being the First Woman Jawan in Indian Army

While she was doing the job with the Railway, she came to know about Territorial Army of Railways. And after giving it a thought, she volunteered to join the TA of Railways. She was inspired by some of her family members who were already a part of the armed forces. She worked hard on her physical abilities and passed the tests of being a Jawan. In the training session, Shanti Tigga outperformed all other male candidates and stood as the best trainee. She completed 50 meters run in only 12 seconds and took 5 seconds less than other male candidates to complete a race of 1.5 kilometers. Such physical abilities of Shanti Tigga were rated as outstanding, and she became the first female Jawan in Indian Army where women were not allowed to join below the officer rank.