Meet Lance Naik Manju: Indian Army’s First Woman Skydiver Who Jumped from 10,000 Feet

In the annals of military history, certain individuals emerge as beacons of courage and determination, challenging entrenched barriers and inspiring generations. Lance Naik Manju Nain stands as one such figure, having etched her name into the records of the Indian Army by becoming its first woman soldier skydiver.

On November 15, 2022, she executed a daring jump from 10,000 feet aboard an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, soaring above the drop zone near Missamari in Assam. This feat not only marked a personal triumph but also symbolized the expanding role of women in India's armed forces, demonstrating that perseverance and self-belief can conquer even the skies.

Early Life and Foundations of Resilience

Lance Naik Manju Nain hails from the rural village of Dhamtan Sahib in Haryana's Jind district, a region known for its agricultural heritage and strong community ties. Born into a modest farming family, she is the youngest of three siblings, with an elder sister, Reena, and an elder brother, Darbara Singh, both graduates actively preparing for competitive examinations.

Her parents, though uneducated, instilled values of hard work and discipline through their daily labors on their one-acre plot, supplemented by leased land. It was her paternal uncle who played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations, encouraging her to pursue a career in the armed forces and fostering a sense of national duty from an early age.

Manju's formative years were marked by a passion for sports, particularly kabaddi, where she excelled at the state level. She honed her skills at the Chaudhary Bharat Singh Memorial Sports School in Nidani, Jind, an institution renowned for nurturing athletic talent.

This background in competitive sports built her physical endurance and mental fortitude, qualities that would later prove indispensable in her military career. Her early experiences underscore a key motivational lesson: foundations laid in discipline and teamwork often propel individuals toward extraordinary achievements.

The Path to Uniform: Enlistment and Rigorous Training

Manju's entry into the Indian Army represented a groundbreaking moment for women in the military. In 2019, she was selected as one of only seven women from Haryana in the inaugural batch of female soldiers inducted at the sepoy rank. She officially joined the Corps of Military Police (CMP) on December 14, 2019, commencing her training on January 15, 2020, at the CMP Centre and School in Bangalore.

This intensive 61-week program equipped her with the skills necessary for her role as a Women Military Police (WMP) officer, focusing on law enforcement, discipline maintenance, and operational readiness within army units.

Pic: Femina India

Upon completion, Manju was posted to the Eastern Command in Assam, with her initial assignment in Golaghat, where she assumed responsibilities for upholding law and order among military personnel. Her peers often describe her as an "absolute warrior," always eager to embrace challenges.

This phase of her career highlights the importance of structured preparation and adaptability, serving as a reminder that true success stems from consistent effort and a willingness to step beyond comfort zones.

The Historic Leap: Conquering the Skies

The pinnacle of Manju's achievements came with her skydiving milestone, trained meticulously by the Indian Army's Adventure Wing. On that fateful day in November 2022, clad in her gear and accompanied by an instructor for a tandem jump, she boarded the ALH Dhruv helicopter.

As the aircraft ascended to 10,000 feet, Manju prepared for the plunge, her resolve unwavering. Video footage captures the sequence: her poised stance at the helicopter door, the exhilarating freefall with arms extended, the parachute deployment featuring India's tricolor, and a graceful landing amid cheers.

This was no ordinary skydive; it was a tandem effort that required precise coordination, trust in equipment, and unyielding focus. Upon touching ground, Manju recited a poignant poem: "Panchi ne jab jab kiya apne pankho pe vishwas, dur dur tak ho gaya uska ye amber ye aakash" (Whenever a bird trusts its wings, it rules the sky). The Eastern Command hailed this as an "inspiring act" that would motivate other women soldiers.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Motivation

Skydiving demands rigorous physical and psychological preparation, including simulations of high-altitude conditions and emergency protocols. Manju's training with the Adventure Wing involved mastering these elements, building on her athletic background to handle the adrenaline and risks involved.

Her journey was not without hurdles balancing military duties with specialized training required immense dedication. Yet, as she reflected, "If someone wants something very hard and is willing to work hard for it and dedicate their time, their efforts, their beliefs in themselves, they will succeed. It depends on how strongly they want their dreams to come true."

Manju draws inspiration from historical icons like Rani Laxmi Bai and Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, urging women to aspire to combat roles in the army. Her story exemplifies resilience, encouraging individuals to trust their capabilities and pursue ambitions relentlessly.

A Lasting Legacy of Empowerment

Lance Naik Manju Nain's accomplishment extends beyond personal glory; it paves the way for greater gender inclusion in the Indian Army. In 2022 alone, it complemented other milestones, such as Captain Abhilasha Barak becoming the first woman combat aviator. Her feat resonates as a call to action, reminding us that barriers are surmountable through determination and preparation.

In a world where challenges abound, Manju's leap from 10,000 feet serves as a metaphor for aspiring higher. As she aptly stated, "When the bird learnt to trust its wings, it conquered the skies." Her narrative inspires professionals, students, and aspiring leaders alike to embrace risks, invest in self-belief, and contribute meaningfully to their fields. Lance Naik Manju Nain is not just a skydiver; she is a symbol of unyielding human potential.