The first commissioned women officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander (Retd) Dr Vijayalakshmi Ramanan died on Wednesday. She was 96 years old. Wing Commander Vijayalakshmi Ramanan died due to old age ailments. She was a recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
The IAF officer was born in February 1924. After pursuing her MBBS, she was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on August 22, 1955. Wing Commander Ramanan was seconded to the Air Force from the same day. Changing role of Women Officers in Indian Defence Forces.
The IAF officer not only served as a gynecologist at various Air Force Hospitals, but also attended wounded soldiers in times of wars. She was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander in August 1972. Wing Commander Ramanan was honoured with VSM for her services in 1977. In February 179, she was retired from the force. Her husband late KV Ramanan was also an officer in the IAF.
Dr Ramanan is survived by a daughter and a son. At a very young age, she had been an artist with the All India Radio.S he was also a trained in Carnatic music.
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