New Delhi, May 29 (Agency)
In an rarest tribute to Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal who was martyred in the 2019 Pulwama attack, his wife Nikita Kaul Dhoundiyal was pinned stars by Lt General YK Joshi Commander of Northern Command of Indian Army today at OTA Channai today. Nikita Kaul had vowed to join the Army after her husband Major Dhoundiyal was awarded Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) in 2019 for his supreme sacrifice for the nation.
In less than 6 months after her husband’s demise she began her preparations to join the Indian Army. The 28 year old woman had cleared her Short Service Commission examinations as well as the interview in 2020 and was waiting to join the force.
Significantly, Lt. Nikita had passed out of the Officers Training Academy on May 26 while On Saturday she was formally commissioned into the Indian Army by Commander of the Indian Army’s Northern Command Lt General YK Joshi.
Her courage to join Army gathered huge appreciation from all over. Smriti Zubin Irani union minster in her tweet said to her, “You’re an embodiment of dedication, determination and
devotion of India’s Nari Shakti. Major Vibhuti Dhoundiyal would be smiling today with joy
and pride seeing Stars on your shoulder. My best wishes to you in all your endeavours.”
Nikita while talking to a TV chennel said that the decision to join Army was not easy as there were lots of challenges. She said that process was also tough as qualifying CDS exam and then SSB was also very competitive. She said being defense officer added more responsibility
towards nation.
She said her husband had sacrificed life for the country and for the people he never knew and that was the courage of a soldier.
Defense minister Raj Nath Singh said Nikita Kaul had set an example of bravery and courage. He said that she would be an inspiration for the women willing to join defense services.