Chandigarh: In a moment that blends tradition with trailblazing progress, Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal has etched her name into the annals of the Indian Army, becoming the first woman officer from a storied five-generation military family from Punjab.
Commissioned into the Army Ordnance Corps on Saturday, after rigorous training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, the young officer from Hoshiarpur’s Janauri village has not only upheld her family’s 129-year legacy but also shattered gender barriers with her stellar achievement — earning the prestigious President’s Gold Medal for topping her course.
A Legacy Spanning Over A Century
Hailing from a region steeped in martial tradition, Lt Dhadwal’s journey is a testament to grit, discipline and an unwavering commitment to service. Her commissioning marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first female officer in a family that has served the Indian Army since 1896. The Dhadwal clan’s saga began with her great-great-grandfather, Subedar Harnam Singh, who served in the 74 Punjabis from 1896 to 1924. The baton of valour was passed to her great-grandfather, Major L S Dhadwal of the 3 JAT Regiment, followed by her grandfather, Colonel Daljit Singh Dhadwal of 7 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and Brigadier Jagat Jamwal of 3 Kumaon Regiment. Today, her father, Major General K S Dhadwal, SM, VSM, and her brother, Captain Dhananjay Dhadwal, both serve in the 20 SIKH Regiment, making the family’s current tally of three active officers a rare and inspiring feat.
A Golden Achievement
What sets Lt Parul Dhadwal apart is not just her lineage but her exceptional performance at OTA Chennai. Excelling in academics, leadership, and physical standards, she secured the top position in the Order of Merit among her peers, earning the President’s Gold Medal — a coveted honour that underscores her dedication and skill. Her achievement resonates far beyond her family, symbolising the Indian Army’s evolving ethos, where women are increasingly carving out space in leadership and combat roles. “Her commissioning is a saga of a family dedicated to the Motherland,” the Indian Army posted on X, celebrating her as a beacon of both tradition and modernity.
Pride Of Punjab
For the people of Janauri, a village in Hoshiarpur district known for its deep-rooted military heritage, Lt Dhadwal’s success is a source of immense pride. Her journey aligns with national initiatives like Nari Shakti, which champion women’s contributions to nation-building. As she steps into her role in the Ordnance Corps, responsible for the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment, Lt Dhadwal carries the weight of her family’s legacy and the aspirations of countless young women who see her as a role model. In her olive-green uniform, she embodies the timeless ethos of the Indian Army: one uniform, infinite pride.