In a proud moment for the Indian Army, 155 officer cadets officially became officers during a grand Passing Out Parade at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai on Saturday. Among them, 25 women cadets stepped into their new roles, showcasing the growing strength and diversity of the Army.
The event was special not only for India but also for international friendship. Nine foreign officer cadets and 12 women from nine friendly countries successfully completed their training, highlighting the Army’s commitment to global cooperation and camaraderie.
A historic highlight of the parade was the commissioning of Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal, the first woman officer from her military family’s fifth generation. She was awarded the President’s Gold Medal for her academic excellence and dedication, making her a shining example of women’s increasing role in the Indian Army.
The parade was reviewed by Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh, who praised the discipline and precision of the cadets. Awards such as the Sword of Honour and medals for outstanding performance were handed out to the top cadets.
Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal hails from a long line of military personnel from Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district. Her family’s military legacy spans over a century, with her great-great-grandfather serving in the late 1800s, her great-grandfather and other relatives continuing the tradition. Today, her father is a Major General and her brother a Captain, making them a proud military family with three serving officers.
The ceremony ended with the Pipping Ceremony, where new officers received their ranks and pledged loyalty to India’s Constitution. As they marched out of the academy, they carried forward the motto—”Serve with Honour.”
For Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal and her family, this day marked both a remarkable achievement and the breaking of new ground, especially as she became the first woman officer from her family to don the military uniform in olive green. This historic event highlights the ongoing progress of women in the Indian Army and the country’s journey toward greater gender equality in defense.
