Hello, patriarchy. There’s a new field officer in town, and she just knocked a 51-year-old male dominated field, right out of the park. Breaking a running streak of male commanders in the Border Security Force (BSF) of India, is Tanushree Pareek the first woman with a position in the otherwise male-only force. The BSF ensures the security of the borders of India, and is the world’s largest border guarding force, which makes her achievement even more of a milestone in Indian history.

The Border Security Force, had only opened their ranks to women in 2013. The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, proudly pinned the rank stars on to Tanushree’s shoulder. The passing out parade was also led by the 25-year-old, who has now been been posted to a unit at the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, where she will be Assistant Commandant. A native of Bikaner, Rajasthan, she underwent the mandatory 52-week training, that incorporates battlecraft, intelligence gathering, and other tasks deemed necessary for the BSF.

Rajnath Singh voiced his approval, to India Today, “I am happy that BSF got its first woman field officer, and hope that many more women will join her in securing our borders.” In a field comprising of 2.5 lakh men since 1965, Tanushree Pareek is a breath of inspiration for many other women, who aspire to attain positions that previously seemed impossible.

Feature Image Credit — Twitter