Kayamkulam native Athira guarding Kashmir valley; the only Malayalee woman in Assam Rifles

KAYAMKULAM: Athira K Pillai, the only Malayalee woman in the Assam Rifles, is guarding the country with an AK-47 rifle at the Indian Army post at Ganderbal in the Kashmir Valley. Athira also has the reputation of being the only Malayalee woman among the women soldiers in the various forces guarding the border.

This 25-year-old, who is a native of Kayamkulam Pullikkanakku, followed the footsteps of her father to join the Assam Rifles. Her father Keshava Pillai died thirteen years ago while serving in the Assam Rifles. As a child, Athira loved not only her father but also her father's work. Since then, she dreamt of joining the army. Athira was twelve years old when her father died. She completed her school studies at Mandhiram LPS and VHS Thamarakkulam. She joined the Assam Rifles after earning a degree.

She attended a recruitment camp in Shillong. Athira, who joined the army four years ago, arrived in Ganderbal, a border district in Kashmir, four months ago after serving in Nagaland and Manipur.

There are four women in Ganderbal, including Athira. They work in the Information Warfare Division of the Assam Rifles.

Along with patrolling, the main task is to improve relations with the natives. They also aim to cultivate patriotism in the girls of the border. They also conduct house-to-house inspections. Athira's only concern is the security of the country as she stands guard in the valleys of Kashmir.