Indian Army to get Rs 30,000 crore QRSAM air defence missile system boost
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Major Divya Ajith Kumar stands as a beacon of inspiration and achievement in the Indian Army, marking a significant milestone in its history. As the first female cadet to be awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour, she has not only broken barriers but has also set a remarkable precedent for women in the armed forces. This article delves into her journey, accomplishments, and the impact she has made in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Born and raised in Chennai, Major Divya’s journey began in a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and educational institutions. From a young age, she exhibited leadership qualities and a passion for service, which would later define her career in the military.
Divya completed her schooling at Good Shepherd Matriculation Higher Secondary School, where she actively participated in various extracurricular activities. Her academic journey continued at Stella Maris College, where she pursued her higher education. It was during her college years that she became involved with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), a pivotal experience that would shape her future.
Divya’s involvement in the NCC was marked by her exceptional performance and leadership skills. In 2008, she represented her Directorate at the Republic Day Camp, showcasing her dedication and commitment. Her leadership abilities were recognized when she was appointed as the All India NCC Girls Contingent Commander, a role that required not only skill but also the ability to inspire and lead her peers.
Her outstanding performance at the Republic Day Camp earned her the title of ‘All India Best Parade Commander.’ This recognition was a testament to her hard work and determination, setting the stage for her future endeavors in the Indian Army.
After successfully completing her training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, Major Divya made history by becoming the first female cadet to receive the Sword of Honour. This prestigious award is given to the top cadet of the course, and her achievement was a significant milestone not only for her but for women in the Indian Armed Forces.
In 2010, Major Divya was commissioned into the Corps of Army Air Defence. Her commissioning marked the beginning of a promising career, where she would continue to excel and break new ground for female officers in the military.
Demonstrating her commitment to excellence, Major Divya topped the Young Officers’ Course at the Army Air Defence College. This achievement further solidified her reputation as a dedicated and skilled officer, earning her respect among her peers and superiors.
Following her successful completion of the Young Officers’ Course, Major Divya served as an instructor at OTA Chennai. In this role, she played a crucial part in shaping the next generation of officers, imparting her knowledge and experience to aspiring cadets.
Major Divya’s career also took her beyond Indian borders when she participated in a United Nations mission in South Sudan. Her involvement in international peacekeeping efforts showcased her versatility and commitment to global peace and security.
Beyond her military career, Major Divya is a passionate sports enthusiast. She actively participates in basketball and discus throw, demonstrating her commitment to physical fitness and teamwork. Additionally, she is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and percussionist, showcasing her artistic talents and cultural appreciation.
Major Divya frequently visits colleges and educational institutions to motivate young women to pursue careers in the armed forces. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized.
In her journey, Major Divya has faced challenges that many women in the military encounter. However, she views these challenges not as discrimination but as opportunities to prove her capabilities. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination, stating, “If as a girl, I can do it, every other girl can do it. Just following the dreams is what matters.”
Her perspective on overcoming obstacles has made her a role model for aspiring female officers. Major Divya’s journey illustrates that with perseverance, women can excel in any field, including the armed forces.
Major Divya Ajith Kumar’s achievements have paved the way for future generations of women in the Indian Army. Her recognition as the first female recipient of the Sword of Honour has inspired countless young women to consider a career in the military.
Her success story contributes to changing perceptions about women in the armed forces, highlighting their capabilities and potential. Major Divya’s journey serves as a powerful narrative that encourages inclusivity and diversity within the military.
Major Divya Ajith Kumar’s journey from a young girl in Chennai to a trailblazing officer in the Indian Army is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and leadership. As the first woman to receive the Sword of Honour, she has not only made history but has also inspired a new generation of women to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain has officially concluded his tenure as the Commandant of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, and has taken up his new appointment as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Southern Command, Pune. The transition was marked by warm congratulations from Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, GOC-in-C of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), and personnel across all ranks, who praised Lt Gen Jain’s exemplary leadership and contributions to military training. Also Read: Meet Lt Gen Nagendra Singh: The New Commandant of Indian Military Academy Lt Gen Jain, a veteran officer from the Mahar Regiment, became the 52nd Commandant of IMA on February 1, 2024. Over his 16-month tenure, he was instrumental in enhancing the standards of leadership development and officer training at one of India’s premier military institutions. Established in 1932, IMA has long stood as a pillar in shaping the ethos and professional skills of India’s military leaders. Commissioned into the Indian Army in June 1988, Lt Gen Jain’s distinguished career spans over three decades. He has commanded a battalion in semi-developed terrain, led an infantry brigade in a strike corps, and headed a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir as a Major General. His international experience includes serving as a Sector Commander in a United Nations peacekeeping mission and as a military observer in Ethiopia. As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the strategic 16 Corps. He has also held important staff roles in the Military Operations Directorate and the Military Secretary’s Branch. An alumnus of the National Defence College in Kenya, Lt Gen Jain has been honoured with the Sena Medal (SM), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and the Chief of the Army Staff’s Commendation Card for his outstanding service to the nation. In his new role at Southern Command, Lt Gen Jain joins a formation with a deep-rooted history in India’s military legacy. Headquartered in Pune and currently led by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Southern Command has played a critical role in major post-independence operations, including Operation Polo in 1948 for the integration of Hyderabad, the liberation of Goa in 1961, and key battles in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. Lt Gen Jain’s appointment as Chief of Staff is expected to further bolster Southern Command’s operational preparedness and strategic planning. His wealth of experience and strong leadership credentials mark a significant addition to one of the Indian Army’s most pivotal commands.
New Delhi: Retired Subedar Madhau Singh Tomar watched his daughter, Himani Tomar, don the Indian Army uniform as a reflection of his own legacy. The legacy has now been carried forward, not by a son, but by a daughter who turned dreams into discipline and service into pride.
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Hailing from the small village of Chand Ka Pura in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district, Himani Tomar has been commissioned as a lieutenant in the Indian Army. The milestone speaks volumes about her determination and a sense of duty.
Belonging to a family already steeped in the values of service and patriotism, Himani’s journey was inspired by her roots. Her brother, Vikas Tomar, serves as a Lance Naik in the Indian Army. Now, she joins the ranks not by chance, but by choice.
While it is common to see sons follow their fathers into military service, it is far rarer and arguably more inspiring to see daughters break into this traditionally male-dominated field and flourish.
Himani’s academic journey began at Shanti Niketan School in Ambah, followed by her schooling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Jaura. Despite coming from a rural background, she consistently outshone expectations and proved that geography is no barrier when ambition is rooted deep.
Her dedication took her to the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, where she completed her nursing graduation. Her rigorous training, both academic and physical, came to fruition as she marched proudly during her Passing Out Parade at Captain Devashish Kirti Chakra Parade Ground, where she was officially commissioned as a Nursing Officer in the Indian Army.
A Proud Day for Chambal
In addition to personal triumph, her achievement is a proud moment for the entire Chambal region. Himani’s success sends a message to every girl from rural India that no dream is too big and no goal too distant if you have the courage to chase it.
Abhilasha Barak from Haryana, And she is the first woman officer who joined the Army Aviation Corps as Combat Aviator, she was just 26-years-old when she added her name in the history by earning this prestigious position.
Her commissioning marked a landmark moment on May 25, 2022, at the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik, Maharashtra. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Lt Gen A K Suri, Director General and Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation.
Abhilasha completed her schooling from the Lawrence School in Sanawar and then she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Technology (BTech) from Delhi Technological University (DTU) in 2016.
Pakistan claims that they decided to target the IAF’s Rafale fighter jets first because Indian Air Force considers them to be game changers
By The Week News Desk Updated: June 06, 2025 16:41 IST
Pakistan has credited No. 15 Squadron of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), also known as Cobras, for “shooting down” six Indian Air Force fighter jets during the recent military stand-off between the two countries.
According to Pakistani media reports, PAF formally acknowledged that the Kamra-based Cobra squadron, armed with Chengdu J-10C multi-role fighter jet, led the charge of Pakistan’s air defence. Pilots from this squadron are expected to be publicly named and honoured at a formal ceremony later.
Pakistani military official account claims that the Chinese-supplied J-10C fighters, equipped with PL-15 BVR Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles brought down three Rafales, a Mirage-2000, Su-30MKI, and MiG-29.
ALSO READ: India’s BrahMos stunned Pakistan. Will global demand for the combat-proven missiles now soar?
“The pilots involved in the operation will be honoured soon. These are some of the finest aviators in our ranks and their performance speaks for itself,” Dawn quoted a senior PAF official as saying.
The official claimed that the PAF targetted the Rafales first because the Indian Air Force “expected them to be game-changers.”
“From heroic air battles in the 1965 war, where Flt Lt Imtiaz Bhatti downed two Indian Vampires, to Cold War-era vigilance during the Soviet-Afghan War, the squadron has always remained combat-ready…Now equipped with J-10C 4.5+ generation fighters, the Cobras continue to embody precision, courage, and aerial dominance,” the PAF media directorate stated in a release.
THE Indian subcontinent, with its shared histories and contrasting histrionics, has been a theatre of geopolitical turbulence for eons. The current India-Pakistan imbroglio, therefore, remains unresolved, to say the least.
I have crossed the Wagah-Attari border as part of CII business delegations, SAARC events and on the invitation of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to chair a subcontinental water session. Each time, the warm hospitality of people bowled us over. The intellectual and spiritual experiences energised us, and the cuisine satiated our palate beyond compare.
And yet, the discourses on governance were careful, the presence of intelligence operatives in the shadows obvious, and the approach of our hosts, concerned with our wellbeing, watchful. But at no point did national political animosity ever surface to our discomfort. We found the neighbours to be able to laugh away their situations, those that contrasted with India’s growth story, in a self-deprecating yet light-hearted way.
During a visit to LUMS, we met Kamil Khan Mumtaz, an erudite scholar and conservation architect. He took us to construction sites, both restorative and new, which gave us an insight into the fascinating work he was doing. What was even more endearing was his admission that he drew inspiration from Bhai Ram Singh, who designed the monumental Khalsa College of Amritsar in 1892.
Most of the evidence of Sikh architecture, including that of Bhai Ram Singh, got left behind in “Lehenda Punjab” of Pakistan at the time of the Partition. Mumtaz shared masonry tips that we were able to implement in restoration work at the college. These interactions, and the varied cultural exchanges over the decades, saw festivals of Punjabi poetry and Sufi renditions, reminding the newer generations of the bonds that existed between the people. The commonalities are many, despite the politics that mars the synergy.
The Pahalgam tragedy and its aftermath have created deeper chasms. India did what was needed to be done. But one wonders what impact the pivotal change in India’s mood shall have. Will it have a sobering effect? Will Pak Generals become more aggressive? Or will they amend their policy of “a thousand cuts” to that of “ten thousand nicks.”
India is in a sweet spot economically, and a war is not what it aspires for — but it will not tolerate transgressions. However, it must resist the temptation of triumphalism. Strategic restraint and long-term vision are hallmarks of a mature power. Pakistan desperately needs to repair its faltering economy, rebuild international credibility and prioritise the welfare of its citizens, even though its leadership continues to carry the weight of historical grudges.
Peaceniks are not the flavour of the season, but ample warmongering has already been done. Living near the border in Punjab, a battleground state, one can only seek harmony rather than the destruction of life and property on both sides of the Radcliffe Line. Enough blood has been spilled. Give peace a chance!
