Kolhapur’s Saee Jadhav creates history as first woman Territorial Army officer to pass out of IMA

Dehradun: Saee Jadhav from Kolhapur in Maharashtra has scripted history by becoming the first woman officer from the Territorial Army to successfully complete pre-commissioning training at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, ending a 93-year tradition of male-only officer training at the institution.

The 23-year-old was commissioned as a Lieutenant during the Passing Out Parade of the 157th course held last week. Her commissioning took place on December 13 at the IMA, which was established in 1932 and is regarded as one of the country’s premier military training academies.

According to her father, Major Sandip Jadhav, who is serving with the Territorial Army, Saee has been inducted into the 130 Territorial Army Ecological Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, based in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. He said she is currently pursuing an MBA through distance education while simultaneously preparing for competitive examinations and the Territorial Army selection process.

Major Jadhav said his daughter appeared for the Territorial Army examination in December 2023, where only one post was available for a woman candidate. She secured the top rank on merit and was selected for commissioning. He added that Saee had always shown a keen interest in joining the armed forces, influenced by the family’s long association with military service.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Saee on her achievement, describing it as a historic moment and a source of inspiration for young girls across the country.

(with inputs from agencies)