New facet of Women Empowerment

India's daughters have now become a part of the army that will blow the sleep of the enemies. These are the same daughters who have created history with their hard work, courage and passion. For the first time, 17 women cadets have passed out from Pune's National Defence Academy after three years of rigorous training, setting a new record. It is worth mentioning that after the order of the Supreme Court in 2021, UPSC had allowed girls to apply for NDA. In 2022, for the first time in the 148th course of NDA, 19 women cadets were admitted, including 10 for the Army, 6 for the Air Force and 3 for the Navy. Two of them resigned during training. That is, the 17 daughters who have passed out now are the same who joined the NDA in August 2022 and after three years of rigorous training, they have passed out with more than 300 male cadets. After completing three years of NDA training, there is a passing out parade for each course. The cadets then go to the pre-commissioning academies of their respective service branches. The Army goes to IMA Dehradun, the Navy goes to INA Ezhimala and the Air Force goes to AFA Dundigal. There they undergo another year's training and then become an officer of the Indian Army after being commissioned by the President. These women cadets will join the service of the Navy and Air Force. Now women are not limited to military training, but are flying fighter planes deployed on the frontline, occupying commanding posts and playing a decisive role in the army. The recent participation of women officers in 'Operation Sindoor' made it clear that women are no longer just spectators, but active participants in the security of the country. Officers like Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh are examples of this change.

Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga are worshipped in India. The same power is now visible in the armed forces, Parliament, courts and science. It's not just symbolic, it's a real change. NDA's training is completely gender-neutral. Yes, there are minor changes in some of the physical activities keeping in mind the body structure of the girls but the level and challenge of training is the same.

These three years have made these daughters not only an officer but also a strong and brave person who will now protect the borders of the country and now it is time that Pakistan also sees the strength of these lionesses of India. Harsimran Kaur from Haryana will now go to the Indian Naval Academy. Kaur said, "My motive behind joining NDA was that I could start a career in the military early. My father retired from the army as a sergeant. My grandfather was also in the army. That is why I feel a deep connection with the Armed Forces. Sriti Daksh is also among the first women cadets to pass the NDA. Sriti's father has been a Wing Commander in the Air Force. Sriti says that NDA's experience is even better than what she thought. After coming to the academy, he understood what the real experience of military training is like. Before the parade, Sriti had said, "It is only a matter of time when I will be able to feel the moment that my father also felt at one time." Ishita Sangwan comes from a non-military background. His parents work in the corporate sector and elder brother is an IT professional. In 2022, Ishita was graduating from Economics when women were allowed to enter the NDA. Ishita applied and got selected. In Goa, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed Lieutenant Commander Roopa and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. who were part of the victorious team of Navika Sagar Parikrama II. Lieutenant Commanders Roopa and Dilna have successfully circumnavigated the globe onboard the Indian Navy's sailing vessel Tarini. Accomplishing this rare feat, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. reached the coast of Goa. This extraordinary sailing expedition was flagged off on 2 October 2024 from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa. Travelling about 25,000 nautical miles, that is, more than 43,000 kilometers, spending a long period of 8 months, that too in the midst of sea bravery, is a great bravery in itself. In a completely deserted sea, where not even a human being or an animal can be seen far away, in such a situation she lived for 8 months. During Operation Sindoor, women participated in every part of the Indian Army. Very few people are aware that women pilots and other women soldiers have played an important role in carrying out effective action against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK by the Air Force during Operation Sindoor. Both have been NCC cadets. Prior to joining the Navy, Commander Dilna was a national-level shooter and an under-19 national level cricketer. Commander Roopa was also a naval armament specialist.