Mumbai. Sai Jadhav of Maharashtra’s Kolhapur has become the first woman Territorial Army officer to complete pre-commissioning training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, breaking the institute’s 93-year-old tradition of training only male officers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated her and said that her achievement is an inspiring milestone which gives direction to the dreams of countless young girls across the country.
23-year-old Jadhav was commissioned as a Lieutenant during the passing out parade of the 157th course held last week, which was a historic moment for the IMA. IMA was established in 1932 and since then it has produced generations of army officers. He was commissioned into the services during the commissioning ceremony at IMA, Dehradun on 13 December.
Speaking to PTI, Sai’s father Sandeep Jadhav, who is a serving Major in the Territorial Army, said that Sai has been commissioned into the 130 Territorial Army (Ecological) Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. He told that Sai is currently doing MBA through distance learning.
Major Jadhav said, “While doing MBA, she was also preparing for competitive exams and TA (Territorial Army). She had given the exam in December 2023. There was only one vacancy for a woman officer in TA and because her rank was at the top in merit, she was selected.”
He said, “Now he has been commissioned in 130 Infantry Battalion (TA) of Kumaon Regiment in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.” Jadhav said that considering the army background of the family, his daughter wanted to join the army. He said, “As parents, we are proud that our daughter has fulfilled her dream and decided to serve the country.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on ‘X’, “At the age of just 23, Sai Jadhav has passed out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun and has been commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Territorial Army. Jadhav has created history by becoming the first woman officer cadet to pass out from IMA in 93 years. Since its inception in 1932, IMA has trained thousands of officers, but for the first time a woman has got the honor of wearing that star on her shoulders. It is a matter of great pride that a Marathi woman has got this honour!”
Maharashtra CM further said, “This is not just an individual success story, but an inspiring milestone that guides the dreams of countless young girls across the country. Educated and brought up in Belgaum and originally from Kolhapur, Sai is the fourth generation of the Jadhav family to carry forward the legacy of service to the nation.”
CM Fadnavis further said, “Jadhav’s great-grandfather served in the British Army, his grandfather served in the Indian Army, and his father, Major Sandeep Jadhav, is currently serving in the Indian Army. By joining the armed forces, Sai has now added a new chapter in India’s military history.”
