Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal at OTA Chennai (Photo: Indian Army)
New Delhi: Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal has become the first woman officer to don the olive greens in the fifth-generation military family.
Following in the footsteps of her military family, she successfully passed out from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai and now commissioned into the Indian Army Ordnance Corps, on September 06.
Her achievement marks a proud moment for the Indian Army, highlighting the growing role of women in defence sector.
Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal’s journey not only honors her family's legacy of service but also showcases the determination and strength of women officers breaking barriers and soaring to new heights in military leadership.
An Army officer said: “She was awarded the President’s Gold Medal for standing First in the Order of Merit in her course, an achievement that underlines her exceptional dedication and merit.”
Who is Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal?
Representing the fifth generation of her family in uniform, Lt Parul Dhadwal hails from Village Janauri, District Hoshiarpur in Punjab, a region renowned for its strong martial tradition.
“Her commissioning marks a remarkable moment where legacy and modernity converge, with a daughter of the family donning the Olive Greens for the first time.”
Dhadwal family’s legacy
The Dhadwal family’s service lineage traces back to Subedar Harnam Singh of 74 Punjabis, her great-great-grandfather, who served the Army from 01 January 1896 to 16 July 1924.
Her great-grandfather, Major LS Dhadwal, was part of 3 JAT, while the third generation saw distinguished service by Colonel Daljit Singh Dhadwal (7 JAK RIF) and Brigadier Jagat Jamwal (3 Kumaon).
The tradition continues with her father, Major General KS Dhadwal, and her brother, Captain Dhananjay Dhadwal, both serving in 20 Sikh.
The official also said that this rare instance of three serving officers from two generations of the same family stands as a testament to their enduring commitment to the nation,” an official said.
Over the years, the roles of women in the Indian Army are evolving. Currently, about 1,732 women officers are serving in the Army and the number goes up to 8,000 if doctors, nurses and some others are added and 310 military police jawans.
By 2025-end, the number of women officers will go up to 2,037.
