Tanu Shree Pareek, India’s first woman combat officer of the BSF, talks to Nikita Sawant about the trials and triumphs of being part of the forces.
In 2013, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) opened its doors to women officers. Three years later, Tanu Shree Pareek of Bikaner was the only woman among 66 men who had joined the BSF Academy. In 2016, assistant commandant Pareek became the first woman combat officer in the BSF. “I wouldn’t say it’s an extraordinary feat. But even so, what I’ve observed is that a woman has to try harder and do better than her male colleagues just to prove herself. When one man achieves something, it’s usually considered that all men can do it. And if one woman can’t do something, it’s assumed that all women can’t do it,” she says.
Being the only woman in her batch was no reason for Pareek to falter. She knew she had a long way to go, and she knew her limits would be tested. But the uniform was calling, and she had to succeed for the sake of all women. “I consider it my privilege that I was able to give the men equal competition. I had a good equation with them, but like any other workplace, if you are a woman who is not as competitive, you’re considered a sister or a friend. That is until the day you decide to perform well, when you suddenly become a competitor,” she says.
Denne historien er fra December 24,2018-utgaven av Femina.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 24,2018-utgaven av Femina.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.