A WARRIOR on Many Fronts

From becoming the first woman from the Marwari community to join the Indian Army to emerging as the pioneer woman paratrooper from the the Indian Army Dental Corps, Dr. Captain Reeta Rajkishor Biyani also known as Ritu Biyani, has had a journey of courage and resilience.

- Scott Dsouza

Army Veteran, Dental Surgeon, Adventurer—Paratrooper, Skydiver, Mountaineer, Rally Driver and Breast Cancer Warrior turned Campaigner, Dr. Captain Reeta Rajkishor Biyani also known as Ritu Biyani defied conventional barriers, battled cancer and has had a remarkable life journey. Breaking ground as the first woman from her community to join the Indian Army, she ventured into remote areas near the border to provide dental care and even became India’s first lady paratrooper in the Army Dental Corps.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, Ritu turned her struggle into a nationwide pioneering campaign for cancer awareness and patient advocacy, blending science, adventure sports, and cause. Her Project High>>>Ways expedition raised awareness across India, covering over 30,220 kilometres in 177 days and conducting numerous workshops. Ritu’s initiatives extend globally, breaking stereotypes by including men in breast cancer awareness and reaching marginalised communities in difficult terrains. She's a three-time 'Limca Book of Records' holder, and the first cancer warrior to trek Siachen Glacier and compete in Raid-De-Himalayas. In 2011, she was invited as an external expert for the WHO Guideline Development Group on the referral of suspected breast and cervix cancer cases at Primary Health Centres in Low and Middle-Income Countries. Her other initiatives also include disaster relief and COVID-19 pandemic aid. Dr. Captain Ritu Biyani's journey embodies resilience, courage, and compassion, inspiring countless others worldwide.