In a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about determination and resilience, Vaishnavi Tripathi and four other young women from the UP Sainik School in Lucknow have secured their places at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla near Pune. This distinguished accomplishment not only highlights the individual perseverance of these cadets but also underscores the evolving landscape of military education in India, particularly in terms of gender inclusivity.
Vaishnavi Tripathi, alongside Hansi Malik, Priyanka, Sanskriti Sharma, and Jyotsna Yadav, have all triumphed over the rigorous selection process of the Service Selection Board (SSB), marking a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming commissioned officers in the Indian Defence Services. Their success is a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with unwavering determination, one can overcome personal adversities to achieve their dreams.
The UP Sainik School, known for its comprehensive preparation of students for entry into the armed forces, has been instrumental in shaping the futures of these young aspirants. The school’s holistic approach, focusing on academic, physical, and mental training, has evidently paid off, with these five girls representing an impressive 18.5 percent of the total seats allocated for women at the NDA. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it comes from a batch of 15 girl students, reflecting the school’s pioneering role in admitting women since 2018.
Colonel Rajesh Raghav, the principal of UP Sainik School, expressed immense pride in this unparalleled success, attributing it to the hard work of the students and the dedicated support of the faculty and staff. The school’s focused preparation, including specialized training modules and continuous assessment through tests and interviews, has been a key factor in enabling these young women to excel in the rigorous SSB examination process.
The journey of these cadets, especially that of Vaishnavi Tripathi, who pursued her dream of becoming an army officer despite the loss of her father, and Priyanka, who has been inspired by her father’s service in the Indian Army, exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of support and guidance in achieving one’s goals.
This remarkable feat by the students of UP Sainik School not only celebrates their individual successes but also marks a significant step forward in the integration of women into combat roles in the Indian armed forces. As these young women prepare for their training at the NDA, they pave the way for future generations of women to dream big and achieve greater heights in the defence sector.
