Harshini Kanhekar is known for her fearless approach to firefighting, having spent the last 20 years of her life playing with fire both literally and figuratively. As India's first female firefighter, she serves as an inspiration to women to break barriers and succeed in male-dominated professions.

Prior to Harshini's arrival, the firefighting department was exclusively staffed by men. However, she decided to challenge the status quo and pursue her dream of becoming a firefighter. Her acceptance into the National Fire Service College was a defining moment, and her father shared the good news with her via telegram.

The fact that Harshini's parents supported her decision to work in a dangerous profession only increases our admiration for them. We salute the parents who encourage their daughters to succeed in challenging environments.

How Harshini Kanhekar became the first female firefighter in India

Did you ever notice that in movies or TV shows, fire scenes only depict strong men rescuing people? Probably not, but Harshini Kanhekar certainly did. She envisioned herself as the one running around and saving lives.

There is tremendous power in a woman who knows exactly what she wants, and Harshini Kanhekar is a shining example of this. As an Indian woman, I feel immensely proud to know that Harshini, like myself, was a dreamer who aspired to make her mark in the world.

During her time in college, Harshini had to navigate a balance between flexibility and rigidity. The prospect of being in a room full of men still intimidates me, and I can only imagine how daunting it must have been for her to constantly be under scrutiny, with her every move being watched for any sign of weakness or mistake. Nevertheless, Harshini refused to back down, and her determination to earn the badge and honor of a firefighter only grew stronger.

As the only female student in the National Fire Service College, Harshini's presence made headlines, and she had to contend with the fact that her professors and peers did not treat her the same as her male counterparts. Nonetheless, I take great joy in knowing that her professors did not hold sexist views and treated her with the same level of respect as her peers.

The constant struggle between wanting to draw attention to the need for more women in male-dominated professions and just wanting to blend in with her peers must have been exhausting for Harshini. Despite this, she persisted, even bending the rules to allow her to go home during her seven-semester course that required students to live on campus.

Harshini Kanhekar & her training to become the first woman firefighter in India

Harshini underwent rigorous training that involved handling heavy water and suction hoses and participating in mock drills with dummies. It is difficult to imagine how grueling this training must have been, but what is truly shocking is that Harshini likely trained even while menstruating, despite the discomfort and societal pressures.

During her college years, Harshini's first assignment involved responding to a cylinder blast in Shirdi. Even as a student, she demonstrated remarkable skill in handling such emergencies, learning valuable lessons about firefighting and life at the same time.

Before joining ONGC in 2006 and ultimately becoming the Senior Fire Officer, Harshini gained extensive experience dealing with fires in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. She spearheaded a six-hour firefighting operation at a tin factory, showcasing her bravery and expertise in the field.

Firefighter Harshini is much more than what she does

Harshini's impact goes beyond her role as a firefighter; she has proven to be a versatile and dynamic professional. I was surprised to learn that firefighters are often called upon to serve outside their usual workplace, and Harshini has demonstrated her skills in rescuing civilians during a range of emergencies, including floods, building collapses, river surges, and wildlife attacks.

To me, Harshini represents a Nagpur native whose parents, particularly her father, provided unwavering support, enabling her to overcome gender biases and succeed in a male-dominated field.

Harshini is a shining example of a strong woman in the modern world, and her unwavering determination to succeed despite being surrounded by skeptical men is an inspiration to me and countless other women across the country. She proves that no job should be defined as "manly" or "womanly."