Capt. Supreetha CT – First army air defence officer at Siachen Glacier 

In male-dominated fields and careers, where we rarely see females acquiring significant positions, Captain Supreetha CT has paved the way for her to succeed in the top position. This naari has created history by becoming the first woman officer from the Corps of Air Force and the Second Indian Army woman officer to be operationally deployed at the Siachen Glacier. Sachien Glacier is the highest-located battlefield of the Himalayas.  Her dedication, hard work, and sincerity have led her to this moment of greatness. It is a moment of immense pride for us Indians to witness the history being made and see our women thrive in such fierce fields. She is a true inspiration for all of us. Let’s delve into Captain’s life story and discuss her journey to success.   

Early life and family background

Captain Supreetha CT is from Mysuru, Karnataka, a native of Chamarajanagar district. She comes from a family with a background in public service. Her father, Thirumalesh, is a police sub-inspector in Talkad, and her mother, Nirmala, is a housewife. She studied at St. Joseph’s school in Kirshnarajanagara, completed high school and pre-university at Marimallappa’s College, and earned her LLB degree from JSS College in Mysuru.  

Beginning of Military life

Captain Supreetha was selected for the Youth Exchange Program (YEP), a prestigious program that allows Indian youth to represent the country in international events, with Supreetha representing India in the Maldives. She attended Vayu Sainik Camp (VSC) and All India Vayu Sainik Camp (AIVSC), camp programs associated with the National Cadets Corp (NCCC). Later, she was selected for the Raj Path March on 26 January 2016, a significant event where cadets from all over India march down the Rajpath in New Delhi as part of the Republic Day celebrations. In this camp, she was awarded the fourth-best cadet in India. Supreetha’s experiences in these programs played a crucial role in shaping her military career.  

Captain Supreetha joined the Indian army as a Lieutenant in 2021, after undergoing an extensive training at Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. Her first post was in Army Air Defence. She was also deployed at Anantnag, Leh and Jabalpur. After rigorous training and intense hard work, she was posted as the first woman from the Corp of Air Force at the Siachen Glacier, a posting that presented numerous challenges due to the extreme weather conditions and high altitude. Her resilience and determination in overcoming these challenges are truly inspiring.   

She led the Army Tableau on Republic Day, 26 January 2024, at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. Supreetha and her husband, Major Jerry Blaize, became the first couple to march together down the Kartavya Path, members of two different contingents. Major Jerry Blaize serves the Madras regiment.   

Captain Supreetha CT has an impressive educational background and career record.   

Corps of Army Air Defence

The Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD) is a particular branch of the Indian Army that protects Indian airspace and our country from aerial threats, enemy aircraft, and missiles. 

Siachen Glacier

Siachen glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas in Ladakh, is the world’s highest battlefield. The adverse conditions at this peak, including extreme cold weather and rough physical barriers, make it an inhospitable place. The temperature drops down to –60 degrees Celsius or lower. Soldiers have to deal with frostbite and high wind. The higher elevations receive snowfall of over 400 inches, and lower elevations receive 30 to 60 inches of snowfall yearly. Winds run at a very wild speed, reaching 100mph, leading to worse weather. The high altitude of this glacier leads to low oxygen levels.  Siachen’s challenging environment demands physical endurance and a robust and resilient mindset. Being posted on this battlefield is a very tough and challenging job; Captain Supreetha is the second female officer to be deployed here after Shiva Chouhan. It’s in this extreme environment that Captain Supreetha has shown exceptional determination, intelligence, and leadership, breaking gender barriers and inspiring others.   

Captain Supreetha CT: An Inspiration

Captain Supreetha’s unwavering determination, intelligence, hard work, dedication and utmost sincerity has taken her up in the sky, her name being etched in the annals of Indian history. She has proven that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve anything they set one’s mind to. She is a true inspiration and epitome of excellence, bravery, leadership and strength. She has become a role model for all women in combat fields, an example that even women can do wonders and lead in high positions in male-dominated fields and positions. Supreetha broke the gender barriers and stereotypes, she proved how competent women are. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for all who aspire to break barriers and achieve greatness. 

Conclusion

Captain Supreetha CT has had an awe-inspiring and remarkable journey in their career. An inspiration to millions of girls in our nation, she has proved that there are no boundaries for those willing to exceed limits. With determination and hard work, Supreetha has become a trailblazer as the first ever woman army air defence officer deployed at Siachen Glacier, a place known for its most challenging environmental conditions and harsh climate. Siachen Glacier, nestled in the Himalayas, is a testament to her resilience and dedication. With her name marked in our nation’s history, Supreetha has won our hearts with her love for the nation and excellent dedication.