She defied all odds to become the first Indian firefighter! Here is the story of Harshini Kanhekar, who broke all gender barriers and inspired millions of other females to dream alike. And like she says, ‘no field of work belongs to any gender.’ ‘A bike does not know or care whether a man is riding it or a woman.’
Harshini Kanhekar became the first woman in 46 years to graduate from the National Fire Service College (NFSC) in 2006. This 26-year-old woman from Nagpur officially became the country’s first-ever female firefighter.
Here’s The Journey of Harshini Kanhekar
Harshini studied at an all-girls school. And as she claims, she was not a bright student. But she always dreamt of joining the Indian Armed Forces as she grew up. Harshini had read about Shivani Kulkarni while in the NCC. She was inspired by the first female pilot of the Indian Air Force from Vidarbha.
Harshini became the only female student in 46 years to graduate from the National Fire Service College (NFSC) in Nagpur. She was, however, advised by almost everyone around her at that time not to join. But she was determined and went ahead to overcome the ridicule. She underwent rigorous training and finally emerged victorious.
Her Fight to Be Fit
As the only female student at the college, Harshini had to obtain special permission from the Home Ministry to go home after classes each day. Subsequently, after graduating, Harshini was sent for a stint at a tin factory in Delhi. This is where she had to deal with heavy water and suction hoses during training. Harshini had to start the day early and practice hard to prove her capabilities.
To begin with, Harshini joined the Mehsana Fire Station in Gujarat in the year 2006. This posting happens to be in close proximity to the second-largest onshore production of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
She was then transferred to Mumbai ONGC Drilling Services in 2010. Harshini is also the first woman firefighter in India to handle offshore drilling services. This included boarding a helicopter and conducting an audit at the site.
Harshini also had to fight fire for more than six hours at a stretch during service and rescue civilians from building collapses, floods, and wildfire incidents.
Her Brave Journey
Harshini Kanhekar literally played with fire! As the first female firefighter in India, she broke down stereotypes. In fact, she was the only student at NFSC to make headlines over the past two decades. And thanks to her professors and peers who did not exempt her because of gender distinction.
Harshini’s life will inspire hundreds of women in the country to keep their heads high and thrive in this male-dominating profession. The firefighting department was only for men until Harshini decided to don the uniform.
Commit, Perform, Succeed
Harshini reflects on the time when she was accepted into the National Fire Service College (NFSC). She recalls how her father called upon her to give her the good news while holding the telegram in his hand. This is an ideal example of respecting parents who support their daughters aspiring to work in hostile environments.
Harshini proudly stands where she is today thanks to her father’s unconditional support. Because of this, she was able to break through the barriers associated with this male-dominated profession. You can never miss Harshini whenever you talk of strong females striving in this contemporary world. The mere idea of being the only woman in a college full of mocking men is scary. And Harshini defied all odds!
You Achieve When You Believe
Harshini recalls that someone from the administration told her it was an all-men’s college she was trying to join. He asked her to apply elsewhere at an institution that had facilities for women students. However, she remained steadfast and undeterred.
She passed the UPSC-style entrance examination with flying colors. At that time, NSFC had just 30 seats vacant. Harshini successfully cleared the medical exam in round two and completed the final interview with an intimidating panel.
However, this was not all she had to go through. Harshini had to prove herself as worthy and deserving as men. Eventually, she surprised the administration by setting a benchmark for other candidates to follow.
‘Reclaim Your Position as Equal’ and ‘Pursue What You Love’ are the only mantras Harshini likes to share with the aspiring female community.
