As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, Femina magazine’s August 2025 edition pays tribute to 10 remarkable women officers of the Indian Army—including Assam’s own Major Dwipannita Kalita, who features at the top of the cover, symbolising strength and resolve.
The issue honours women serving across ranks and regiments who represent the evolving face of India’s defence forces, with Major Kalita spotlighted for her trailblazing journey as Assam’s first woman paratrooper.
Major Dwipannita Kalita hails from Dhekiajuli, a small town in Assam’s Sonitpur district. She was the first girl from the district to pursue medical studies abroad, earning her MBBS in the Philippines. After working in emergency and OBG departments in Delhi, she joined the Army Medical Corps—breaking norms as a married woman in her 30s driven by purpose and passion.
Now a part of the Army’s elite Parachute Medical Regiment, Kalita is among the few women doctors trained for airborne operations. Her selection is a testament to her physical and professional excellence within one of the most demanding units of the armed forces.
According to Femina, Kalita balances her rigorous duties with mindfulness and calm. Her personal time is spent working out, cooking with jazz music, gardening, and playing with her dogs—who she lovingly calls her “stressbusters.”
Joining Major Kalita on the Femina cover are nine other exceptional officers:
- First row (L–R): Colonel Anshu Jamwal, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
- Second row (L–R): Colonel Ponung Doming, SM; Lance Naik Manju; Colonel Meghna Dave
- Third row (L–R): Captain Shraddha Shivdavkar, Lieutenant Colonel Krutika Patil, Captain Ojaswita Shree, Lance Naik Aashika
- Top (solo): Major Dwipannita Kalita
The publication extends special thanks to the Indian Army for its support in creating the feature.
“These women lead from the front with unwavering spirit—standing guard so the rest of us can live free,” Femina noted in its tribute. The feature underscores the growing presence, leadership, and influence of women in India’s armed forces.
