In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and commitment, a young woman from the village of Kothi Gaihri in Himachal Pradesh has transformed her lifelong dream of serving in the Indian Army into a tangible reality. The journey of Karishma Thakur is marked by adversity and unwavering determination, particularly following the passing of her father, Lalit Sharma, in 2017.
After this tragic loss, Karishma’s mother, Drumati Devi, took on the role of the family’s sole provider. Facing the daunting challenge of raising five children, she embarked on a dairy business to ensure her children could continue their education. Drumati’s resilience and tireless work included selling cow milk and laboring under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Her unwavering dedication allowed Karishma and her siblings to pursue their studies, despite the financial strain the family encountered.
As the youngest of four sisters, Karishma’s aspiration to join the army was ignited from an early age. She made a significant decision to enroll in a Bachelor of Arts program at Vallabh Government College in Mandi, where she also became actively involved in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Her commitment to this organization paid off when she became the first student from her college to participate in the prestigious NCC national camp, solidifying her ambition for a military career.
Karishma’s path to joining the Indian Army is now firmly established, as she has been selected for training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, with sessions slated to begin this December. The daily commute from Rewalsar to Mandi—a challenging 20-kilometer journey—has not been easy, particularly while balancing her studies and preparing for police recruitment exams. To better concentrate on her academic pursuits and military aspirations, Karishma made the strategic decision to stay in a hostel in Mandi for the past year.
The moment Drumati Devi received the news of her daughter’s selection, she struggled to grasp the reality of it. It wasn’t until the weight of Karishma’s achievement sunk in that tears of joy filled her eyes. Reflecting on the formidable challenges faced while raising her children after the loss of her husband, Drumati expressed an overwhelming sense of pride in her daughter’s accomplishments.
Karishma’s journey is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiring testament to the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity. Her story shines as a beacon of hope and determination, showcasing how unwavering dedication can indeed bring dreams to fruition against significant odds.
