Souvaarna Ramjee-Essoo: Police Helicopter Squadron’s First Woman Pilot Makes History

Souvaarna Ramjee-Essoo has made an indelible mark in the history of the Mauritius Police Force and the nation itself. At just 29 years old, she has recently been promoted to Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Police (DASP) and has become the first female pilot in the Police Helicopter Squadron (PHS).

Her journey is one of determination, perseverance, and a commitment to serving her country, which the publication Le Dimanche/L’Hebdo explored during a recent visit to her at the squadron’s unit at the Plaisance Airport.

Ramjee-Essoo not only challenged gravity but also societal stereotypes regarding women’s roles in the workforce.

As the PHS’s first female pilot, she embodies a spirit of determination that inspires countless individuals nationwide.

Beyond her uniform and flying boots, her story exemplifies the power of perseverance, demonstrating that no dream is too ambitious for women who aspire to excel in their professions.

On Friday, August 30, Defi Media met with DASP Ramjee-Essoo at the PHS, where she was preparing for her evening shift.

Her responsibilities included potential rescue operations with the Alouette III helicopter, affectionately referred to as the Chetak.

While waiting for her flight, Le Dimanche/L’Hebdo took the opportunity to delve deeper into her remarkable background.

An alumna of Lorette College in Rose-Hill, Ramjee-Essoo garnered national attention by placing 197th in the 2013 Higher School Certificate examination.

With a focus on mathematics, chemistry, and physics, she initially aimed for a career in mechanical engineering.

In 2014, she was awarded a scholarship from the Indian government, allowing her to study at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in West Bengal.

Reflecting on this experience, she noted that she was one of nine Mauritians selected for the program.

Despite her limited command of Bengali, she embraced the local culture, picking up phrases to help her communicate.

Her hard work paid off; she graduated with First Class honors four years later. Returning to Mauritius in 2018, she secured a position as a Trainee Engineer, working on the construction of the Côte-d’Or Sports Complex.

At the same time, she noticed a recruitment announcement for the Mauritius Police Force, specifically for the PHS.

Recognizing that her educational qualifications met the requirements, she applied and successfully completed preliminary assessments, including physical and medical tests.

Ramjee-Essoo faced a significant hurdle during the interview process.

“I had to up my game in terms of physical fitness, so I trained extensively to prepare for the entry requirements of the police force,” she recounted.

Competition was tough, with roughly 1,025 candidates vying for just 27 positions within the MPF.

On July 3, 2018, while working at the construction site, she received life-changing news from a police officer who delivered her acceptance letter.

The message, “You need to report to the Police Headquarters on July 5, 2018,” prompted her to leave her engineering job and start her new career in law enforcement.

Ten days later, she began basic military training with the Special Mobile Force.

“The transition from casual jogging to formal running was tough, and I quickly learned the meaning of ‘spleen pain’,” she said with a laugh.

After three months, she was assigned to the Rose-Hill police station for a month, later advancing to the PHS as a Cadet Officer on November 12, 2019.

As the only woman in her unit, she initially struggled to adjust, seeking guidance from her colleagues on how to prepare for her aptitude test in India necessary for her pilot training.

That exam was crucial, and she recognized the need to excel.

In March 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, she was reassigned to various police divisions to bolster the force’s operations.

Once the lockdown lifted, she returned to the PHS to continue her helicopter pilot training with the Chetak aircraft, participating in missions related to the MV Wakashio shipwreck at Pointe d’Esny.

In 2021, during the pandemic’s second wave, she rejoined the regular police force, focusing on routine checks and even making an arrest.

That year marked the month of her critical aptitude test at Air Force Base 1 at the Uttarakhand Defence Academy in India.

Passing this test with a score of 90% was a significant achievement. Following the exam, she underwent medical screening before returning to Mauritius for quarantine.

By October 2021, she took on the title of Student Pilot with the PHS and began three intensive phases of On-the-Job Training.

In June 2022, she earned her clearance to act as a co-pilot. On September 18 of that year, she participated in a rescue operation alongside her instructors, aiding an injured Mauritian in the Piton de la Petite Rivière-Noire.

Completing the rigorous training program, she reached the end of her third phase in December 2023, with approximately 450 flight hours logged.

Recently promoted to DASP, an emotional Ramjee-Essoo reflected on her journey: “The road to get here was incredibly challenging, but I am so proud that my sacrifices and efforts have paid off.

It is an immense honor to serve my country as the first female pilot in the PHS.

The discipline I learned here has made me more responsible and has greatly contributed to my personal development.

This experience has been unforgettable and has bolstered my confidence. Being part of the police force is a rare opportunity, and I am grateful to have had this chance,” she stated.

What are her future ambitions? With a smile, she remarked, “With great power comes more responsibility.”

The DASP emphasized her commitment to excel in her role and climb the ranks within the police force while pursuing ongoing training.

For women aspiring to follow in her footsteps within the police force, her message is clear: “I am living proof that it’s possible.

If you want to pursue this career, just give it your all. Never give up, and everything else will follow.”

Personal Life and Interests

In addition to her professional milestones, DASP Ramjee-Essoo resides in Beau-Bassin. She recently married an IT professional.

Her father is a retired engineer, and her mother is a homemaker. Her older sister is a lawyer, while her younger sister is studying forensic science. I

n her free time, she enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and spending time with her four dogs: Oreo, Cedar, Laika, and Lubi. She also maintains her fitness by working out regularly.

Source: Defi Media