Punjab’s Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal becomes fifth-generation Army officer, wins gold medal

Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal, a newly commissioned officer from Punjab, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the gold medal for standing first in the order of merit at Officers Training Academy (OTA). She has also become the fifth-generation officer in a family with a long martial tradition. Lt Dhadwal, who is also the first woman officer in her family, has been commissioned into the Army Ordnance Corps after passing out from OTA, Chennai, on Saturday.

While there have been many second- and third-generation officers, fourth- and fifth-generation officers are relatively rare. Lt Dhadwal hails from Janauri village in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. Her father, Major General KS Dhadwal, is a serving officer who has commanded the 27 Mountain Division. Both her father, a fourth-generation officer, and her brother, Captain Dhananjay Dhadwal, belong to 20 Sikh.

The family’s military tradition began with her great-great-grandfather, Sub Harnam Singh of 74 Punjabis, who served from January 1, 1896, to July 16, 1924. Her great-grandfather, Maj LS Dhadwal, served with 3 Jat. Col Daljit Singh Dhadwal of 7 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and Brig Jagat Jamwal of 3 Kumaon represented the third generation.

The Army stated, “With Lt Parul joining their ranks, the family now has three serving officers in uniform simultaneously — a rare distinction and an inspiration to many.” Parul was part of the Short Service Commission (Women) – 34 Course that passed out along with the Short Service Commission – 120 Course for males. A total of 155 officer cadets, including 25 women, were commissioned into the Indian Army as Lieutenants. Additionally, 21 cadets, including 12 women from nine friendly foreign countries, completed their training alongside their Indian counterparts.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh reviewed the passing-out parade. Addressing the parade, he emphasised that the battlefield is becoming increasingly complex and that young officers will need continuous training to succeed in future conflicts. He urged them to expand their horizons and discover their true potential as they begin their learning journey, highlighting that strength comes from individual excellence and team cohesion. The Air Chief also presented the Sword of Honour and silver medal to Raj Biswas for being adjudged the overall best cadet of the course and the bronze medal to Pranjal Dixit for standing third in the order of merit.