Swati Mahadik became a true symbol of women power when on Saturday (Sept 9) when she was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the armed forces. The wife of martyred Army Colonel Santosh Mahadik, who died fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir in 2015, symbolizes grit and courage. Swati joined the army as an officer after 11 months of tough training.
“This is my husband's dream. I had other dreams - like being with my children - but I took up his dream."
Since the appointment of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the country has opened arms for new opportunities for women in the frontline. Appointing 38-year-old Swati Mahadik is one of the first in the sector.
The mother of two, currently positioned as Lieutenant, will chair the Army Ordnance Corps in Pune. She decided to make the tough decision of joining the Army last year.
The new appointee completed her passing out parade in Chennai on Saturday (Sept 9). When asked about her training, Lt. Mahadik said, "I felt I should be like him, that's why I wore this uniform. It was his choice. His first love was this uniform. That's why I had taken this decision," ANI reported.
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Her husband, Late Colonel Santosh Mahadik -- the Sena medal for gallantry recipient -- died in an encounter, aged 39.
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"I wanted to be close to him by joining the Army. Uniform was his first love and that is why I have decided to join the army, so that I can wear the uniform. I want to give a way of life to my children which he would have given to them," Swati told PTI
The initiative of deploying more women in the armed forces doesn’t end with Swati. In fact, it just a start. Likewise, another woman — Nidhi Dubey — was also appointed as an officer on Saturday (Sept 9). Nidhi, who also lost her Army husband Naik Mukesh Dubey, is also commissioned as Lieutenant.
Also Read: Fighting their own battle, 340 women gets permanent commission as officers in the Indian army
“I am so proud of it, I have done it just because of my family support. At the first stag,e it was difficult for me but after three months, it became a part of my life," she told ANI.
Feature Image Credit: Twitter
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