HASAN HADI / Dehradun
The Passing out Parade (PoP) of the Spring Term 2026 at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on Saturday became a historic occasion as the academy commissioned its first batch of nine women officer cadets into the Indian Army in its cherished history of 94 years. The women officers completed their rigorous military training and marched proudly alongside their male counterparts during the grand ceremony.
Among the newly commissioned officers was lieutenant Sheetal from Sonipat, Haryana. Her father, Ashok Kumar, said it was one of the proudest moments of his life. He said that Shetal is the first woman from their village and nearby villages to become an Army officer.
“Sheetal worked very hard to achieve her dream. She cleared the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination through self-study and remained focused on her goal,” Kumar said. He added that seeing his daughter become an officer felt as if he himself had achieved the rank. “I am very proud of her accomplishment,” he said. Another newly commissioned officer, Lieutenant Shanan Dakha from Rohtak, Haryana, comes from a family with a military background. Her father, Vijay Kumar, said she represents the third generation of Army personnel in their family.
“I served in the Army Service Corps (ASC) and my daughter has also joined the same corps. My grandfather was also part of the ASC. It is a memorable moment for our family,” he said. Dakha said that “you should always dream big and keep on working hard. One day all the hard work will pay and definitely achieve what you want.”
Lieutenant Shreti Daksh from NOIDA described her journey at the academy as rewarding and fulfilling. Her father is a retired Army personnel and her elder sister serves in the Indian Air Force. Speaking about the training, Daksh said the initial phase was challenging, but the guidance of instructors and support from family helped her overcome difficulties. Her mother said she was extremely proud of her daughter and that four years of hard work had finally paid off with this achievement.
