After serving IAF for over 13 years, why has Wing Commander Pooja Thakur sued the Force?

Wing Commander Pooja Thakur has taken the Indian Air Force to the Armed Forces Tribunal for being denied a permanent commission in the IAF.

The officer in the petition has said that the decision to deny her permanent commission is "biased, discriminatory, arbitrary and unreasonable", according to an NDTV report.

Wing Commander Pooja Thakur is the first female commanding officer to lead the ceremonial Tri-Service Guard of Honour inspected by US President Barack Obama at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 August, 2015. And the first woman officer to lead an Inter-Service Guard of Honour at the same event.

According to a report in a leading daily, Obama had said that the sight of "incredible" Indian women in the armed forces was one of his "favourite things" in India. Commenting on this compliment, NDTV quoted Wing Commander Thakur as saying, "It feels good that we have been able to achieve our aim of giving him a befitting Guard of Honour. I am glad he has appreciated it."

This when she was informed about the US President's visit just two days prior to the event. And yes, she confidently carried out her duty and did the nation proud.

Also Read: Wing Commander Pooja Thakur moves court after being denied permanent commission by IAF

Wing Commander Thakur hails from Rajathan and is the daughter of a retired army colonel. She belongs to the administration branch of the Indian Air Force and is currently posted at 'Disha,'- a publicity cell at the Air Force Headquarters.

A post graduate in English, she joined the military to continue the family tradition.

Wing Commander Pooja Thakur was commissioned into the IAF in 2001 and was in the first batch of woman fighter pilots. She has served the IAF for 13 and a half years now. She is also active in para-jumping and adventure sports.

According to the IAF, Pooja Thakur was offered a permanent commission in 2012, which she had declined then.