Second Officer Kalyani Sen was a trailblazing figure in the Indian Navy, particularly noted for her service in the Women’s Royal Indian Naval Service (WRINS). Born around 1917, she was a part of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (India) WAC (I), during a time when the participation of women in the armed forces was still a novel concept.

In the early stages of WRINS, the composition mainly included Anglo-Indians, but by 1945, the trend shifted, and over 70% of WRINS members were Indian nationals, with Kalyani Sen among these early Indian pioneers. Her role in WRINS was significant as it represented the increasing involvement and recognition of Indian women in military services during World War II.

Kalyani Sen’s most notable achievement was in 1945, when she became the first Indian service woman to visit the United Kingdom. This visit was at the invitation of Britain’s Admiralty for a comparative study of training and administration in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). This marked a significant moment in the history of military collaboration between India and the UK, and it also highlighted the emerging role of Indian women in the military sphere.

Sen’s contributions and her pioneering role in WRINS have been an inspiration, paving the way for future generations of women in the Indian armed forces. Her legacy is a testament to the vital roles women have played and continue to play in the defence services of India.