Selection Into The Team Didn’t Happen Overnight
Riding bikes and learning how to perform these adventurous tasks didn’t happen overnight, according to Captain Shikha. It was a progressive task. “I was riding bike prior to joining Army also. I have also driven a bike to Ladakh. I got selected here because I knew how to ride a bike.”
Nevertheless, learning how to leave the handles and ride a bullet was not easy.
I have been practising for the last three months. Initially, I wasn't able to ride a bullet without leaving my hands, the team taught me how to leave my hands and go with the bike. Then I learnt slowly how to stand on the bike. I performed different activities with them so that gave me confidence.”
Giving credit to team spirit, she said that Daredevils contingent has been performing these glorious stunts for the past 15 to 20 years. “There is a good team spirit and performing these adventurous activities requires great motivation, hard work, stealth and team spirit.
“Team mein kaam bohaut progressively, stability aur continuity ke saath hota hai.”
Despite the bullet being very heavy, Captain Shikha believes it gives them a lot of stability on road.
Practice Routine
“In the morning, we carry out our practice sessions and in the evening we maintain our bikes. It requires a lot of hard work but now we know each and every part of the bike. We know how to open a gear box, how to open its tyres, everything.”
Captain Shikha believes that everything in life is a long and progressive journey. She said that if a person knows how to ride a bike then these stunts are not that difficult for that person. “I used to feel scared initially but we have all the safety precautions in place.”
The Team Doesn’t Differentiate Between Male And Female Officers
“Initially, I used to think how will I be a part of the team? But when I started going out with the team, they interacted with me and they accepted me just like any other female officer. Right now, they do not find any difference between me and any other officer. We are very friendly with each other, you need to have that kind of bonding to be able to perform well.”
Message For Other Female Officers
“All women officers are adventurous and are doing very good in their fields. I know my counterparts are doing great work. For instance, there is one engineer officer in Kargil, who is maintaining the fence. Another signal officer is doing long range patrolling in Tawang.”
Captain Shikha said that while all female officers were doing outstanding work in their respective fields, there are many who want to take part in such adventurous activities.
“Each and every female officer is already motivated. My seniors have always wished me luck, so, I feel good.”
She concluded by saying that such opportunities motivate other female officers to take part in such intrepid activities. As she put on her helmet and rode towards India Gate, Captain Shikha Surabhi has broken the glass ceiling for women who aspire to become Daredevils in the Indian Army.