Drivers of Change: Ravinder Jit Randhawa

Mohali, Punjab,UPDATED: Mar 22, 2024 19:26 IST

Ravinder Jit Randhawa has exemplified courage by joining the Army, just eight months after her husband, Major Sukhwinder Jeet Randhawa's lost his life in the line of duty. Major Sukhwinder lost his life battling terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir in 1998, post which he was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously, the second-highest gallantry award in India awarded during peacetime.

Her journey wasn't easy, as she exceeded the age limit to join the Indian Army, and to add to this, she had a one-year old daughter to tend to at home. She undertook the daunting task, and received support from the wife of the then Chief of Army Staff, and her family, which afforded her a special waiver, allowing her to begin her training at the Army's Officers Training Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

While the training regiment wasn't easy at all, especially at her age, but her determination and perseverance meant that she excelled in training, further aided by her athletic background. Her military career saw her become a scuba diver and marathon runner, a showcase of her strength and determination to excel.

Despite being a single mother, she executed her duties without any leniency, embodying her late husband's legacy and commitment to duty. Ravinder's story stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women, and of Veer Naris.