Meet Meghana Sakpal, Pune's First Female Firefighter Igniting History

Meghana Sakpal is making history as the first woman firefighter in the history of the 75-year-old Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Fire Brigade. The trailblazer secured a position in the male-dominant industry, paving the way for legacy. 26-year-old Sakpal is the third generation firefighter in her family, following in the footsteps of her father, Mahendra Sakpal and grandfather Sadashiv B Sakpal. Meghana Sakpal joins the PMC Fire Brigade along with 167 other newly appointed firefighters. The Brigade welcomed Sakpal saying, “We are thrilled to announce the selection of Meghana Mahendra Sakpal as the first female firefighter in the Pune Fire Brigade. Meghana hails from a family deeply rooted in our department, with her grandfather having served and her father currently serving as a firefighter," Pune Pulse quoted.

Speaking about her achievement to the media, Meghana Sakpal told the media platform, "Today marks a momentous occasion for me. I am honoured to be the first woman selected as a firefighter in the Pune Fire Brigade. With my family’s legacy in this profession, particularly my father’s service, I am eager to work alongside him. While my mother isn’t here to witness this achievement, I know she would have been immensely proud.”

Meghana Sakpal, First Woman Firefighter Of Pune

Meghana Sakpal's remarkable achievement reflects the power of women taking a stance against the systemic patriarchy that has deterred women from taking part in nation-building. "During my adolescent years, I resolved to become an integral part of the brigade as a female firefighter even though the field was marked by an absence of women personnel," Sakpal told Pune Mirror in an interview.

"Even though there have been no women firefighters before, I am confident that I will overcome challenges with the guidance of my father, who is also my mentor," Sakpal added. Speaking about the challenges faced in getting where she is today, Sakpal pointed out how her training was paused during the pandemic, which was disheartening for her. 

She also touched upon the physical stress of the industry, detailing how two out of the 30 candidates chosen for the 6-month training had to drop out because of injuries. "In the final selection, I was chosen for Pune while five other girls were selected for Mumbai. Unfortunately, 22 girls were sent back as they did not make the grade," she told Pune Mirror. 

Sakpal credited her discipline and confidence to get her where she is today. Her achievement is not only empowering to her but also serves as an example for other women to break barriers.