In 2016, a news article featuring MP Shri Anurag Thakur in an olive green uniform caught my attention and ignited a curiosity that would lead me down an unexpected path. My ensuing research introduced me to the Territorial Army (TA), a distinctive opportunity that allows gainfully employed civilians to serve in the Indian Army. Despite my long-standing fascination with the Armed Forces, I had never considered joining. However, this discovery awakened a new passion in me.
The TA stood out as an ideal avenue for individuals like myself to contribute to our nation while balancing civil and military roles. The initial thrill of the prospect was tempered by a sobering realization: at that time, women were not eligible to join the TA. Yet, I clung to hope, remembering the words of Paulo Coelho: “When you want something badly enough, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.”
My optimism was revitalized when a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed to advocate for the inclusion of female candidates in the TA. After a protracted three-year legal struggle, the landscape changed, and women were finally granted access to a field that had previously been closed off. Eager to take part in this new opportunity, I applied and faced a rigorous three-stage selection process—comprising a Written Exam, a Preliminary Interview Board (PIB) Interview, and a Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. After much anticipation, I was among the 13 women recommended by the SSB in Bhopal.
During this time, I continued my role as a Legislative Officer in the Parliament of India. A pivotal moment arrived on April 22, 2021, when I received a life-changing phone call that I will always remember: “Jai Hind, Sahab. You have been selected in the merit list of the TA.” The joy that enveloped me was indescribable. When I confirmed with the Ministry of Defence and learned that I was the only woman selected, a wave of pride washed over me. I had made history as the first and only woman officer in the Non-Departmental TA.
This achievement served as a testament to my belief that determination can lead to remarkable accomplishments. Five years after my initial desire to join the Armed Forces, I was standing proud, a commissioned officer with two stars on my shoulders.
However, the real journey began at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. The thrill of becoming an Army officer quickly faded, revealing the challenging reality of cadet life. Each day began at 4:00 a.m., a drastic departure from my previous life of handling legal documents and performing research. The heat of Chennai, combined with vigorous physical exercises in the muddy Acharya Training Area, was quite an adjustment.
I clearly remember the anxiety that accompanied the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) and the Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET). I struggled to run just 500 meters, and the prospect of completing 5 kilometers seemed daunting. My transformation was not merely physical; it was psychological. The decision to cut my long hair was initially difficult, but I eventually found it liberating. My first experience at the Baffle Range was unforgettable—my heart raced as I pulled the trigger of a rifle.
Learning to handle firearms was a huge leap from my previous life filled with pens and papers. From my initial struggles with even the simplest rifle mechanics to eventually operating a rocket launcher, I experienced profound growth. Yet, the Drill Square posed my greatest challenge. I spent sleepless nights dreading the drills, often confusing left and right—much to the irritation of my Drill Instructor (DI).
My first few weeks were filled with feelings of isolation and homesickness; both my mind and body cried out for rest. However, as time went on, I found solace and strength in the camaraderie, discipline, and training that the OTA provided. The bonds I formed with my fellow cadets, built on shared hardships, became strong and enduring.
This rigorous training taught me that life’s most significant lessons often arise through adversity. I learned to push my limits and recognize that while I may not have been the standout candidate in my batch, my resilience and passion for self-improvement set me apart. OTA was not merely a place for military training; it was a crucible for leadership development, branding me in a way that will profoundly impact my future.
On November 13, 2021, when I successfully completed my training, it represented more than a personal victory. It symbolized a step forward for the Indian Army in its pursuit of greater gender equity and inclusion. As T.S. Eliot so aptly put it, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
In the face of challenges and against the odds, my journey has not only fulfilled my personal aspirations but has also contributed to a larger narrative of inclusion in the Armed Forces.
Jai Hind.
