Historic Milestone: India’s First Female NDA Cadets Graduate

Among the trailblazers is Shanan Dhaka, who topped the first batch of female NDA entrants. In an exclusive conversation, Shanan Dhaka shared her deep-rooted passion for joining the armed forces, inspired by a family legacy of military service — both her father and grandfather served in the Indian Army. Her childhood dream, shaped by stories of bravery and discipline, finally took flight with the NDA opportunity.

“I always wanted to join the army. When NDA opened for girls, I saw it as the perfect chance before graduation,” said Shanan Dhaka. Supported wholeheartedly by her mother, Geeta Devi, who always encouraged her to wear the officer's stars, Shanan Dhaka now stands as a proud symbol of aspiration and achievement.

Shanan Dhaka is not alone. Dozens of other young women who braved rigorous three-year training at NDA are now ready to serve the nation. Their graduation is more than a personal victory — it's a defining chapter in India’s march toward inclusive defense services.

Conclusion Bottomline by Barkha:
This isn't just about breaking barriers — it's about rewriting tradition. As Shanan Dhaka said, “Finally, I’ve got that dream my mother and I saw together.” The message is loud and clear: there’s nothing women can’t do.