Meet Captain Supriya & Lieutenant Varun: First Couple to Serve in the Territorial Army

In a proud and historic moment for the fauji heartland of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Captain Supriya Choudhary and Lieutenant Varun Singh Poonia have etched their names in the annals of the Territorial Army by becoming the first couple from the region and among the rare few in the country to serve together in India’s citizen army.

Their extraordinary journey stands as a symbol of commitment, resilience, and the seamless blending of professional excellence with patriotic duty. ONGC officers by profession and soldiers by choice, the duo represent the finest spirit of national service safeguarding India’s energy security while contributing directly to national defence.

Captain Supriya Choudhary: From Chemistry Scholar to Territorial Army Trailblazer

Born and raised in Jhunjhunu, where the spirit of uniformed service runs deep, Captain Supriya Choudhary carved her path through academic brilliance and unwavering determination. After completing her post-graduation in Chemistry, she secured an outstanding All-India Rank in the CSIR-JRF-NET examination. Her academic excellence led her to the prestigious National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, where she began pursuing her Ph.D., sharpening her research capabilities and intellectual foundation.

Soon after, she joined ONGC Mumbai as an Executive Officer but her ambitions extended beyond corporate success. Inspired by an innate sense of duty, she applied for the Territorial Army and made history in July 2017 by becoming the second Indian woman and the first from Rajasthan to be commissioned as a Territorial Army Officer.

Her commissioning marked not just personal achievement but a breakthrough for women in the Territorial Army framework. Significant milestones followed including meeting the President of India and the Chief of Army Staff during Territorial Army Day 2018, and commanding ONGC platoons as Parade Commander on Republic Day.

Despite not coming from a traditional military background, Captain Supriya embraced the rigorous training regimen with resilience. Guided by her motto, “Never Give Up,” she emerged tougher, disciplined, and mentally stronger. She firmly believes that the army transforms individuals into leaders, and that gender has no bearing on one’s ability to endure or succeed in military training.

Her journey reflects the pursuit of excellence, courage, and the determination to live a life beyond convention.

Lieutenant Varun Singh Poonia: Rekindling a Childhood Dream

Like his wife, Lieutenant Varun Singh Poonia also hails from Jhunjhunu, a region renowned for its contribution to the armed forces. A gold medalist in his post-graduation in Chemistry, he secured an All-India Rank of 26 in the CSIR-JRF examination and earned a call for the prestigious Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Fellowship. His academic journey took him to IIT Delhi, setting him on the path of becoming a distinguished chemist.

He later joined ONGC as a chemical expert and subsequently served as Deputy Industrial Advisor in the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India contributing significantly to the nation’s industrial growth.

Yet, beneath his professional success, a childhood dream quietly endured the dream of serving in uniform.

Inspired by Captain Supriya’s dedication and the reawakening of his own aspirations, Lt. Varun applied for the Territorial Army. His selection marked the beginning of a transformative journey from corporate corridors to camouflage.

Reporting for Basic Military Training in August 2023, he experienced one of the most physically and mentally demanding phases of his life. The transition from scientific research to soldierly discipline required grit, endurance, and fortitude. But with deep patriotism and clarity of purpose, he embraced the challenge.

Love, Separation, and Shared Purpose

Their journey was not without sacrifices. Training schedules often meant physical separation, demanding emotional strength alongside military resilience. Letters and calls during brief intervals became their anchor, sustaining both their relationship and shared mission.

The couple faced each challenge with unity and determination, emerging stronger with every trial. Their partnership both personal and professional became a testament to shared vision and commitment.

The day they officially became the first couple to serve in the Territorial Army marked a proud milestone celebrated not only by their families but also by the people of Jhunjhunu and across the nation.

Roots of Service and Values

Their achievements are deeply rooted in family values.

Lt. Varun’s father, Sh. Suresh Kumar Poonia, served as a Police Officer in Rajasthan Police, while his mother, Smt. Sumitra Poonia, nurtured the family as a homemaker. Similarly, Captain Supriya’s father, Sh. Moongi Lal Rahar, served as a Librarian, and her mother, Smt. Indira Rahar, as a government school teacher instilling in her the power of education and discipline.

These middle-class families laid the foundation that shaped two civilians into officers of the Indian Army.

A Dual Role: Energy Security and National Defence

As ONGC officers and Territorial Army personnel, Captain Supriya Choudhary and Lieutenant Varun Singh Poonia symbolize a rare and vital dual responsibility protecting India’s strategic energy infrastructure while standing ready to serve in uniform.

Their story transcends personal milestones. It is a narrative of patriotism, partnership, and perseverance inspiring countless young aspirants to think beyond conventional careers and embrace service in multiple dimensions.

In the heartland of soldiers, their journey adds a new chapter of pride. And as they continue serving the nation in labs, offices, and the olive greens they inspire India to dream bigger, aim higher, and serve with unwavering commitment.