KALPETTA: Major Sita Ashok Shelke... the only female strength in the military team that built the Bailey Bridge in the disaster land of Wayanad. She stood with the army personnel, directing the construction of the bridge day and night, braving the challenges of raging river and heavy rains. She is an engineer with the Madras Engineering Group (Bangalore Madras Sappers) that built the bridge. She was the only woman in the group. A native of Maharashtra.

"There is no difference between men and women in the army. All are serving the nation. I was doing my duty.' Sita's reply when asked about this. "Continuous rains and difficulty in bringing construction materials were the only minor challenges. Thanks to the state government and local administrations who stood by to complete the work. People also helped. I am just one member of the team. All the soldiers who are here day and night in rescue operations should be proud of this victory," she said.

Joined the army in 2012

Born in a small village called Gadilgaon in Ahmednagar district, Sita is the pride of the nation. She was the second of four daughters of Ashok Bhikaji Shelke, a farmer and lawyer. Graduated in Mechanical Engineering. She joined the army in 2012. An article she read in a newspaper when she was in the 10th standard about a lady army officer is what inspired her to join the army. Her childhood dream was to become an IPS officer. With no one to guide her, she tried to become a part of the army. She failed the SSB exam twice and cleared it the third time.

"My parents have been very supportive of my dream of joining the army"

-Major Sita Ashok Shelke