In a country where service to the nation is often regarded as the highest duty, young women from Pune Ms Rutuja Warhade have taken her dream all the way to the National Defence Academy (NDA). Her recent selection into one of the world’s most prestigious military training institutions is not just a testament to personal determination but also a reflection of family support and quiet resilience.

Rutuja Warhade, who secured an All India Rank 3 and was the first-ranked female candidate, knew as early as Class 9 that she wanted to join the armed forces. “My father had once dreamed of joining the forces but couldn’t pursue it due to lack of facilities. I wanted to fulfil that dream,” she said. When Warhade first witnessed the NDA PoP, left with impact and deepened her resolve.

Preparing for the toughest hurdle in the process; SSB Interview - became her sole focus. With help from retired officers, teachers, and batchmates, Warhade pushed through. She credits her mother for laying a strong academic foundation that helped her clear the written examination with ease. Warhade admitted that managing time between academics, fitness, and personality development was not easy. “Discipline was the only constant. I had to say no to distractions and stay focused every single day,” she said.

Warhade is now preparing for the rigorous four-year training ahead — three years at NDA and one more at the service academy. “The course will be physically and mentally demanding. I’ve already started preparing for it,” she said. Her parents are proud and emotional. “She got the fruits of her hard work. There were times she felt low, but we stood by her. She never gave up,” her father said. Her mother added, “It was my dream to see my children do something extraordinary. Rutuja always wanted to do something out of the box. She found inspiration in her father and maternal grandfather, who had also attempted the SSB. As parents, especially of daughters, it’s important that we support their choices and believe in them”.

Her father, overwhelmed with emotion, said, “It was the most beautiful moment of my life. I had taken her to many parades, and I saw the spark in her eyes. She’s a born fighter.” Her mother, equally proud, said, “She worked so hard, often sacrificing sleep. I used to tell her stories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose vision and courage inspired our family. She wanted to contribute to the nation just like him.”

Warhade comes at a time when the first batch of girl cadets who were admitted to the NDA in June 2022 are all set to pass out. The academy has said that the training has been conducted in a gender-neutral and gender-sensitive manner.

Her story is not just about personal achievements but also about breaking barriers and setting new standards. As she don the uniform, they carry with them the dreams of countless young women aspiring to serve the nation.