• By Soumyaroop Mukherjee
  • Sun, 07 Sep 2025 05:25 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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The Officer Training Academy Parade ground located in Chennai witnessed stories of grit and determination as 155 Officer Cadets, including 25 women, were commissioned out in their shining uniform as they marched forward to serve their motherland. Additionally, nine foreign officer cadets and 12 foreign officer cadets (women) from nine friendly foreign countries completed their training.

The event was special for Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal, who became the first woman officer from her illustrious military family’s 5th generation to join the Indian Army. The parade was reviewed by Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh. He presented the OTA Gold Medal to AUO Parul Dhadwal, the Sword of Honour and Silver Medal to ACA Raj Biswas, and the Bronze Medal to BUO Pranjal Dixit. 

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A Family Of Heroes

The glorious journey of Parul Dhadwal’s family began with her great-great-grandfather, Subedar Harnam Singh of 74 Punjabis, who served from January 1, 1896, to July 16, 1924. Her great-grandfather, Major LS Dhadwal, served with the 3 Jat Regiment. Colonel Daljit Singh Dhadwal, 7 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, and Brigadier Jagat Jamwal, 3 Kumaon Regiment, made up the third generation.

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Her father, Major General KS Dhadwal, and her brother, Captain Dhananjay Dhadwal, both joined the 20 Sikh Regiment and made up the fourth and fifth generations, thereby continuing the proud tradition of serving the motherland. Now, Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal is set to join the ranks alongside her brother as the fifth-generation soldier donning the olive green uniform. 

The parade concluded with the solemn Piping Ceremony, with cadets pledging their allegiance to the Constitution of India. The cadets marched out of OTA Chennai, brimming with pride and holding onto the motto 'Serve with Honour'.