36 Women Cadets Graduate at Chennai’s Officers Training Academy; Veer Nari Gallery Inaugurated
In a poignant ceremony, the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai celebrated the graduation of 197 cadets, with a notable presence of 36 women cadets. The event also marked the inauguration of the Veer Nari Gallery, a tribute to the widows of war heroes, at the OTA. Archana Pande, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association and the spouse of Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, had the honor of opening the gallery.
General Pande, who inspected the passing out parade, emphasized the gender-neutral nature of serving the nation. He commended the cadets, saying, “Gender has no boundaries when it comes to serving the nation. While training has equipped you to operate on the battlefield, you will have to learn on the job each day.”
Debashree Banerji, a widow who lost her husband, Major Subroto Adhicary, in 2013, shared her experience, highlighting the transformative impact of OTA training. She mentioned how it shapes cadets into stronger and better versions of themselves.
OTA Chennai’s unique approach trains widows alongside other cadets, enabling them to become army officers, continuing the legacy of their fallen husbands. The Veer Nari Gallery features photographs and life stories of these remarkable women.
The ceremony also celebrated the accomplishments of 12 foreign cadets, including six women from Bhutan, two men from Maldives, and two men and two women from Tanzania. Navteshwar Singh, son of the late Maj Harminder Pal Singh of 18 Grenadiers, expressed his determination to follow in his father’s footsteps, despite initial reluctance from his mother. The event showcased the academy’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive cadre of future army officers.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Express New Service
