As the world celebrated Women’s day this weekend, a group of men and women at the Army Officers Training Academy, Chennai were cherishing the completion of their 11-month rigorous training.

Chennai: Martyr’s spouse among others join Indian Army as officers 

International Women's Day Special: Nitika Kaul Dhoundiyal was shattered when she came to know that her husband Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal was martyred during an operation against the terrorists that took place following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. But now, Nitika has summed up the courage and has decided to follow the footsteps of her late husband. Dhoundiyal is all set to join the Indian Army. She has cleared Services Selection Board (SSB) exam necessary to join the Army. She has also got a call letter from Officers Training Academy or OTA, Chennai for joining as an officer in the technical wing of Indian Army. On the occasion of International Women's Day, she fits as the perfect example for hashtag 'She Inspires Us' which PM Narendra Modi tweeted.

International Women's Day 2020: Pulwama Terror Attack martyr's wife to don Indian Army uniform to fulfil husband's dreams

A day ahead of the Passing out Parade(POP) at the prestigious Army Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai, the cadets, their trainers and teams from the Indian Army showcased their spectacular skills and daredevilry - ranging from Equestrian, Para-motor, Gymnastics followed by the Gatka, a Sikh Martial art.

Combined display of Indian army from the Officers Training Academy in Chennai

The faces of 142 gentlemen cadets and 30 lady cadets swelled with pride and honour, as they marched flawlessly, in unison across the Parameswaran drill square during the passing out parade at the sprawling Army Officers Training Academy in Chennai.

Chennai: They came as boys and girls, they passed out as officers of the Indian Army

Head scarf-clad Zuhra Nabizada showed no traces of emotion as she handled the machine gun with the ease of a professional during a training session at the shooting range of the Officers Training Academy here.

Second batch of Afghan women officers undergo training at Officers Training Academy

The women of Afghanistan, long oppressed and denied of their basic rights, are now fighting for their rights. And India is turning to be a valuable partner in this effort.

India makes soldiers out of Afghan women to fight Taliban

When I asked one of the soldiers why she came to India, pat came the reply, 'to kill Taliban'.?

Afghan women soldiers training under Indian Army 'to kill Taliban'

From a teacher to a warrior, from the widow of Colonel Santosh Mahadik, she is now Lieutenant Swati Santosh Mahadik less than two years after her husband was martyred

Martyred soldier's wife joins Indian Army