Lucknow – Indian skydiver Anamika Sharma has uniquely celebrated the success and popularity of “Operation Sindoor” by performing a thrilling jump from 14,000 feet, saluting the valor, courage of Indian soldiers, and women’s empowerment. On June 5, in Bangkok, Thailand, Anamika unfurled a flag bearing the “Operation Sindoor” slogan with both hands as she descended. Her distinctive tribute is garnering widespread attention on social media, both nationally and internationally.
The success of “Operation Sindoor” has captivated every Indian, inspiring various forms of celebration. While some are organizing flag marches and rallies, others are dedicating literary gatherings or cultural evenings to the operation. Anamika Sharma of Prayagraj, known for saluting every proud moment of the nation with her skydives, was no exception. On June 5, as she leaped from 14,000 feet in Bangkok, Thailand, she held a flag emblazoned with the “Operation Sindoor” slogan. Anamika Sharma’s unique style is being widely discussed and praised.
Anamika Sharma, originally from Jehanabad, Bihar, has made Prayagraj her home. At just 24 years old, she is the youngest Indian woman to obtain the highest “D” category skydiver license. Anamika first showcased her aspirations at the age of 10, when she performed a skydive from 10,000 feet in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh. However, due to age restrictions, she had to wait approximately eight years to obtain her license, only to face further delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Anamika received her “A” category professional skydiving license from the United States Parachute Association. She underwent two months of training in Moscow, Russia, in 2021, followed by further training in Dubai in 2021 and 2022. Her skydiving journey then accelerated, astonishing everyone. After obtaining her “A” license, her passion led her to achieve “B” and then “C” category licenses. She is the youngest skydiver in India to hold these licenses. Her father, Ajay Kumar Sharma, proudly shared that Anamika has now obtained the supreme “D” category license, a remarkable feat for India as no one of such a young age has achieved this category before. These licenses were awarded by the United States Parachute Association. Due to the lack of high-level skydiving facilities in India, Anamika primarily performs her skydives in Bangkok and Rayong, Thailand. Anamika has also completed her B.Tech degree.
Anamika has been training and skydiving in Bangkok, Thailand, for several years, but she gained prominence in January 2024 when, on December 22, 2023, prior to the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, she jumped from 13,000 feet carrying a flag with an image of the Ram Temple and the slogan “Jai Shri Ram.” Anamika remained airborne, unfurling the flag as she descended to 6,000 feet, and has been a topic of national discussion ever since. There is a significant population of Sanatan Dharma followers in Thailand who worship Lord Hanuman as their protector. Before the discussions surrounding her previous feat subsided, Anamika performed another jump on January 8, 2025, in Bangkok, from 13,000 feet, to convey the message of “Grand Kumbh, Divine Kumbh” to the world, encouraging people to participate in this humanitarian event. Now, following the success of “Operation Sindoor,” Anamika has once again demonstrated her patriotic spirit by jumping from 14,000 feet in Bangkok, Thailand, carrying an “Operation Sindoor” banner. The viral videos and photos are being widely shared, liked, and commented upon. Anamika’s father, Ajay Sharma, commented on her performance, saying that Anamika desires to do everything in a unique way. He added that his daughter dedicated this skydive to support and salute the aerial attack of “Operation Sindoor,” the valor of the nation’s soldiers, and the remarkable synergy of women’s empowerment. Anamika traveled to Bangkok just four days prior for this skydive. Her father revealed that in her short career, she has performed over 500 skydives.
Anamika Sharma’s family has played a significant role in her achievements. Her father, Ajay Kumar Sharma, retired from the Indian Air Force in 2008. He is a trained commando and a professional skydiver himself, having performed approximately 650 skydives to date. He has been instrumental in training and encouraging his daughter. Ajay Sharma mentioned that he usually skydives with his daughter but was unable to do so this time due to other commitments. He acknowledges that they chose Thailand due to the current lack of world-class facilities in India. Ajay Sharma’s friend and renowned Indian skydiving instructor Santosh Nagaraj has also trained Anamika. Regarding the expenses involved, Ajay Sharma stated that everything is currently being funded privately, but they will now seek assistance from the state and central governments. Anamika is required to skydive once every three months to maintain her proficiency as per her license conditions. Currently, Anamika’s goal is to become an international-level coach and popularize skydiving in countries like India.
