For the longest time, women were considered incapable of being appointed in military, combat, and officerial positions. But in recent times, we have seen an influx of women in different powerful positions in the navy, military, and other male-dominated sectors.
The Indian Forest Services is another sector which is considered to be dangerous for women. However, to boost the confidence of women to become IFS officers, one woman took to Twitter to share pictures and details of her IFS training and how it is empowering. Have a look:
THREAD
As I complete my probation this week, here's a recap on how comprehensive #IFS training is, especially for those who ask me if #women can opt for IFS –#HorseRiding @ Indian Military Academy
To improve coordination, confidence & physical posture of an officer
(1/8) pic.twitter.com/wL6z79lWMS— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 19, 2020
INSAS Rifle shooting (~4.5kg) @ IMA, Dehradun
Module on working of rifles, LMG, AK47, GLOCK, IED, grenade etc necessary for dealing with LWE in forest areas
Improves concentration & stamina for an officer
(Blurring intentional) 2/8 pic.twitter.com/ZrS04WbsGK
— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 19, 2020
‘Adventure fills soul’
River #Rafting on the Ganges, organised by @ITBP_official
Devilish rapids – people falling out of boats & rescued later, cliff jumping and lots of adrenaline! Sad we don’t have photos in action. (3/8) pic.twitter.com/ba4y7d5nMt
— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 19, 2020
#Swimming module, for 8 days. Freestyle & breast stroke
Coz, it’s a survival skill (4/8) pic.twitter.com/J2VaE2DOuJ
— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 19, 2020
‘You’ll want to protect something you appreciate’
Appreciating Nature in #water#ScubaDiving @ Havelock, Andaman to understand #CoralReefs & Marine diversity in pristine Islands. Its effect can only be experienced! (5/8) pic.twitter.com/LVpeKqI5kE
— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 19, 2020
Appreciating nature in #Air#Paragliding in Bir Billing, Himachal
Helps you let go of your fears as field officers need #Courage
(6/8) pic.twitter.com/zEZAP6IwMy
— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 19, 2020
Appreciating Nature on #land
2 day Trek to #ValleyOfFlowers 11k ft & Hemkund Sahib 15,200ft above MSL. Steep slope rain & cold were true test to our #endurance
You either go on your feet or someone’s shoulders, no way else. Hence one of the most #pristine places on Earth!
(7/8) pic.twitter.com/IoG1rU32T9— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 19, 2020
CONCLUSION:
There are countless other treks, field visits, PT exercises, inter service competitions to mould all-round #personality of the Officer Trainee (OT)
For #women aspirants, life needs purpose & empowerment needs confidence. IFS gives you both!
[8/8]— Swetha Boddu, IFS (@swethaboddu) October 19, 2020
People on the internet, including other IFS officers, thanked her for motivating others to join the Forest Services. A few others got reminded of their own training and became nostalgic!
Great. Training during Probation period is a session of learning, physical and mental fitness, decision making, survive in inhospitable terrain. Now u r well trained officer and fit for duty independently. Wish u do best for the nation. Best of luck. https://t.co/XecBWUXoL1
— Sub Santosh Kr Yadav (R) (@Santosh27870364) October 20, 2020
Young women looking to join public service, need to look no further to be enticed!
At least the training part of it.. things are simpler and more enjoyable! https://t.co/nfeQqjKaZ5— Rakesh Reddy Boya (@rakesh_boya) October 19, 2020
IMA training is the best part of academy. Quite nostalgic. Nicely narrated. Good one. @CentralIfs @IGNFA_GoI https://t.co/WYhWwBKlIz
— Meenakshi IFS (@meenakshiifs) October 19, 2020
Wonderful thread. Must read for all the aspirants who wish to join the Indian Forest Service. Good compilation @swethaboddu . Makes me rather nostalgic! https://t.co/dZmaaS038H
— Akash Deep Badhawan, IFS (@aakashbadhawan) October 19, 2020
Excellent ways to show how you get trained and motivating people That they can also do it. 👏🏼👏🏼
— Prashanth Vemuganti (@prashanthpsi) October 19, 2020
Indeed they can, they should. Lovely thread
— Dr Abdul Qayum, IFS (@drqayumiitk) October 20, 2020
We hope this Twitter thread inspires many others, especially women, to join the forest services!