Born in 1986 in the village of Datauli, Charkhi Dadri district, Haryana, Sunita Pahal’s aspirations took flight at just 13. The televised images and stories from the 1999 Kargil War left a lasting impression. “That was the moment I knew,” Sunita recalls. “This is something I want to do, something I can even give my life for.” 

Unlike most girls in her community, who were expected to pursue domestic roles or teaching, Sunita dreamed of the skies. Her parents, Om Prakash and his wife, supported her ambitions despite societal skepticism. Such power of belief and parental encouragement helped her in the long run to break barriers.

Battling Societal Norms

Coming from a rural background with limited means, Sunita faced immense pressure. Her father earned little from farming and local jobs, yet he prioritized education for all his children. Convincing neighbors and relatives that the military was not just for boys was another challenge. Sunita recounts warnings from the community about safety, hygiene, and even marriage prospects. Yet, determination and parental support helped her overcome these barriers, turning skepticism into eventual pride.

The Brutality of Training

Sunita’s journey was far from easy. At the Air Force Academy, she faced grueling physical and mental challenges. “I had never run five kilometres, never done a push-up. Suddenly, we were running 10 kilometres, drilling for hours, and enduring practice in 42-degree heat until our knuckles bled,” she recalls. The intense training transformed her from a small-town girl into a confident officer, building resilience, discipline, and leadership—qualities that would define her career. Her tears and struggles became stepping stones, proving that perseverance can overcome natural limitations.

First Posting and Early Recognition

In 2008, Sunita’s first posting at a premier fighter base in the Northeast exposed her to operational responsibilities far beyond her rural upbringing. She led airmen, managed technical assignments, and quickly adapted to complex situations. Her efforts did not go unnoticed. 

Sunita received a commendation in her very first posting, the first in her batch of 300 officers to earn such recognition. This early success validated her hard work and strengthened her resolve to excel in a male-dominated profession. In the Air Force, men and women handle the same demanding assignments—from forward bases to high-risk operations. Yet, as a woman, Sunita had to constantly prove her capabilities. Her determination ensured she could never be questioned on stamina, skill, or commitment. Sunita’s leadership contributed to operationalizing a premier fighter squadron and the induction of Air Force One, earning commendations from the Chief of Air Staff.

Rising to Wing Commander

In 2021, Sunita achieved a career milestone promotion to Wing Commander. “Wearing the three stripes on my shoulders was both heavy and fulfilling,” she recalls. The role involved leading officers, shaping operations, and contributing to national defence strategy. For her parents, it was the culmination of a dream, a proud moment validating years of sacrifice and belief.

After 14 years of service, Sunita opted for voluntary retirement. Today, she heads administration and IT at a multinational corporation in Bengaluru, carrying forward the discipline, leadership, and resilience honed in the Air Force. Sunita believes societal perceptions of women in the military are slowly evolving. Her father echoes the sentiment, noting how parents now prioritize daughters’ education and ambitions, inspired by examples like Sunita.