Priya Jhingan's journey is one of courage, determination, and trailblazing achievements. As the first Indian woman to join the Indian Army, she not only broke stereotypes but showed many women that the doors for them are open in the armed forces. The tale of her courage continues to inspire girls across India, showing that with persistence and dedication, nothing is impossible.

Early Life and Inspiration

Priya Jhingan was raised in a family with a strong tradition of nation service; her father was a police officer. Of course, being in such an environment, she was naturally inclined towards a career dedicated to the country; she aspired to join the Indian Police Service. But then destiny had other plans for Priya. Her heart to serve the country and an interest in the defence forces soon led her to turn her interests towards the Indian Army. At a time when women could not join the army, Priya's dream looked clouded in the distance, seemingly impossible.

Despite the odds, Priya took a chance. Seeking permission to join the Army, she wrote to the then Chief of Army Staff, General Sunith Francis Rodrigues. She was brave and bold. And in 1992, the Indian Army reciprocated by sending her to the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai for training.

The Trailblazer of Women in the Army

Priya Jhingan began training on September 21, 1992, with 24 other women, becoming the first women to undertake formal training to join the Indian Army. These women cadets constituted the first ever batch of female officers in the Indian Army, and Priya became a symbol of courage and perseverance being the first woman cadet.

Her journey was not easy. The military environment has been historic mostly as a masculine side and presented numerous challenges. But Priya's hard work and dedication towards her dream are what shifted the odds in her favour. During entire training, she excelled and on March 6, 1993, Priya Jhingan graduated as the Silver Medallist from the first-ever Women's Course in the Indian Army.

Distinguished Service in the Army

Commissioned in 1993, Major Priya Jhingan served a glowing career in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Department of the Indian Army. Many courts martial and some recognition for her skill and labour naturally followed in this position. Priya's ten years of service were marked by professionalism and commitment to duty. She was released in 2003 as per the contract of service, but her effort for the Army remained an inspiration to so many.

Advocacy for Women’s Rights

Priya Jhingan has always fiercely advocated for women's rights and gender equality within, but not limited to, the Army. She is a firm believer that women should have equal opportunities and roles to men in the armed forces. One of her memorable stands during the controversy following the suicide of Lieutenant Sushmita Chakravarty. The insensitivity of remarks made by the then Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman, regarding women in the army drove Priya in defence of her fellow women officers. Priya's vocal support for women's rights in the Army was instrumental in forcing the senior officer to publicly apologize.

Priya’s advocacy for women in the armed forces is not limited to her time in service. Even after retiring, she continues to speak out on behalf of women’s rights, pushing for greater inclusivity and recognition for women in all fields.

Post-Retirement Career and Achievements

After retiring from the Army, Major Priya Jhingan did not rest on her laurels. She entered a different chapter of her life, exploring various careers and opportunities. For her versatility and drive, she was successful in clearing the Haryana Judicial Services but chose to pass on joining the Judicial Service. She pursued a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication, which eventually took her into the office as an editor for the weekly paper Sikkim Express in Gangtok.

Her passion for mentoring and teaching saw her take up a role at Lawrence School, Sanawar, where she became an English teacher and House Mistress. In addition to her career achievements, Priya Jhingan is also a motivational speaker, sharing her inspiring story with young people and encouraging them to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Personal Life and Family

Just like her career, Priya Jhingan’s life is also quite motivating. She is happily married to Lieut Col Manoj Malhotra, who owns an adventure sports business called Pep Turf. They are parents to a son and live in Chandigarh. For Priya, life is about family, action and continuous service to mankind making her an ideal for the coming generations.

Recognition and Felicitation

In February 2018, Priya Jhingan’s contributions to the Indian Army and her role as a trailblazer for women in the armed forces were formally recognised when she was felicitated by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. Among 112 other prominent women from various fields, Priya was honoured for her pioneering work and her inspiring role in shaping the future of women in the Indian Army.

Currently, Priya Jhingan pursues mountaineering with great enthusiasm, continually challenging herself to conquer new heights. Her adventurous spirit extends beyond the mountains, as she also runs the Major Priya Jhingan Leadership Academy, where she mentors and empowers individuals to develop leadership skills and resilience. Moreover, Priya has published a book titled ‘Marching On’, which provides an intimate account of her life, struggles, and triumphs. Through her academy and writings, she continues to inspire others to break barriers and achieve their goals with determination and perseverance.

Priya Jhingan's legacy as the first woman to join the Indian Army is a monumental milestone in the history of India’s military. Her journey from being a young girl with a dream to becoming a pioneering officer in a male-dominated institution is nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout her career, she has not only broken barriers but also mentored and inspired countless women to follow in her footsteps.

(Image credits: Facebook)