Captain Reeta Biyani: Pioneering Female Paratrooper and Cancer Awareness Advocate in Indian Armed Forces
Captain (Retd.) Reeta Rajkishor Biyani, often known as Ritu Biyani, holds a distinctive position in the annals of the Indian Armed Forces. As a former officer in the Army Dental Corps, she stands out as the first woman paratrooper from this branch and the pioneering female from the Maheshwari Marwari community to serve in the Indian Army. Her life story is a testament to resilience and adventure, extending beyond her military career into dedicated cancer awareness initiatives.
Born in Maharashtra around 1960, Reeta Biyani was nurtured in a household that esteemed education, discipline, and public service. Her father, Professor R. S. Biyani, was both a civil engineer and an educator, while her mother, Asha Biyani, instilled artistic and cultural values in the family. Influenced by tales of patriotism and service from relatives involved in India's freedom struggle, she developed a strong sense of service early on.
Reeta pursued a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Government Dental College and Hospital in Nagpur. During her academic pursuits, she was actively engaged with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which fueled her interest in military life and outdoor sports. Her passion for athletics, badminton, and volleyball added to her resolve to don the uniform, especially when few women considered the Armed Forces as a viable career choice.
By November 1981, Reeta had successfully completed the rigorous selection process, including medical exams and military training at the Armed Forces Medical College Training Centre in Lucknow, leading to her commission into the Army Dental Corps. Her induction was a landmark event, making her the first woman from the Maheshwari Marwari community to join the Indian Army.
Her inaugural assignment took her to Sikkim, where she provided dental services to soldiers stationed under challenging conditions. Over the next decade, she served in various remote and high-altitude locations, often as the sole woman officer in her unit. Despite the logistical challenges and harsh climates, she traveled extensively to ensure that soldiers were medically fit, earning the respect of her peers through her commitment and professionalism.
In 1983, just two years into her service, Reeta volunteered for parachute training. Upon completing the physically challenging course, she was awarded her parachute wings, becoming the first lady paratrooper from the Army Dental Corps. Her dedication to expanding her skills led her to undertake training in mountaineering, skiing, and skydiving—remarkable feats for a Dental Corps officer and almost unheard of for women officers at the time.
After completing two Short Service Commissions, she retired in 1992 as a Captain after nearly ten years of service. Though her military career had concluded, the discipline and resilience she honed in uniform continued to guide her life.
Post-retirement, Captain Biyani established a dental practice in Pune while focusing on her family. However, in September 2000, she faced a significant personal challenge when she was diagnosed with high-risk breast cancer at 40. She underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy while caring for her young daughter, Tista.
Refusing to let the disease define her, she tackled cancer with the resolve she had nurtured as an Army officer. During her treatment, she encountered numerous misconceptions about cancer, with some mistakenly believing it was contagious. This experience underscored the need for cancer awareness, prompting her to educate others.
In 2006, with her teenage daughter Tista, she embarked on Project High>>>Ways, India's inaugural long-distance adventure drive focused on cancer awareness. Over 177 days, she covered more than 30,000 kilometers across the nation, visiting the four corners of India while conducting awareness programs on breast, cervical, and oral cancers. Her campaign spanned 26 states and four Union Territories, reaching schools, colleges, hospitals, military establishments, and community groups.
The expedition gained national acclaim and was recorded in the Limca Book of Records. Inspired by its success, she founded Highways Infinite, a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting cancer patients, organizing awareness programs, and aiding families through diagnosis and treatment. The organization has since conducted thousands of awareness sessions, impacting countless individuals across India.
Captain Biyani continued to achieve remarkable feats even after her battle with cancer. She became the first cancer survivor to trek approximately 120 kilometers to Kumar Post on the Siachen Glacier, showcasing her exceptional physical stamina. Moreover, she was the first breast cancer survivor to complete the Raid-de-Himalaya, one of India's most challenging motorsport rallies, demonstrating that cancer is not an impediment to ambition or success.
Her expertise in patient advocacy has garnered international recognition. In 2011, she was invited as an external expert to the World Health Organization's Guideline Development Group, contributing to the development of recommendations for the early referral of suspected breast and cervical cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries. She has also delivered TEDx talks, served as a motivational speaker, and continued her dental practice while supporting cancer patients nationwide.
Throughout her illustrious journey, Captain Reeta Biyani has been honored with numerous accolades, including multiple entries in the Limca Book of Records and over fifty awards recognizing her contributions to healthcare, women's empowerment, adventure sports, and cancer awareness.
Captain Reeta Biyani's legacy is not merely a series of personal accomplishments. As the first lady paratrooper from the Army Dental Corps and a trailblazing woman officer, she challenged conventional barriers in the Armed Forces. Later, as a cancer survivor and awareness campaigner, she transformed personal adversity into a nationwide mission with a lasting positive impact.
Her life exemplifies that courage is not limited to the battlefield. Whether serving soldiers in remote areas, earning her parachute wings, overcoming a life-threatening illness, or driving across India to raise awareness, Captain Reeta Biyani has consistently demonstrated resilience, determination, and selfless service. Her inspirational journey continues to motivate young Indians, especially women aspiring to join the Armed Forces, to strive for excellence, embrace challenges, and dedicate themselves to societal service.
