Meet Colonel Ponung Doming: The First Woman Colonel from North East India

In the rugged terrains of Ladakh, where temperatures plummet to -25°C, Colonel Ponung Doming stands as a beacon of resilience and leadership. As the first woman from North East India to achieve the rank of Colonel in the Indian Army, her journey from the serene town of Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh to commanding a Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) is a testament to the power of determination, discipline, and dreams.

Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a source of inspiration for countless individuals, particularly women, aspiring to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Early Life and Education

Born to Olom Doming and Jimmi Dai Doming in Pasighat, East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Ponung grew up in a family that valued education and public service. From an early age, she exhibited academic excellence, emerging as the top student among tribal students in her Class XII examinations at the IGJ Government Higher Secondary School in Pasighat. Her passion for engineering led her to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering at Walchand College of Engineering in Maharashtra, graduating in 2005. This strong academic foundation set the stage for her remarkable career.

Detail	Information
Hometown	Pasighat, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh
Parents	Olom Doming and Jimmi Dai Doming
Education	- Government Daying Ering Higher Secondary School, Pasighat
	- IGJ Government Higher Secondary School, Pasighat (Top tribal student in Class XII)
	- Walchand College of Engineering, Maharashtra (Civil Engineering, 2005)

Career Beginnings

After completing her engineering degree, Ponung worked for approximately two years at Larson and Toubro in Kolkata, gaining valuable professional experience. However, her heart was set on serving her nation. Driven by a deep sense of duty, she prepared for the Service Selection Board (SSB) examination in Allahabad. Her determination paid off when she was selected to join the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. In 2008, she was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army, marking the beginning of an illustrious military career.

Pic: Femina India

Rise Through the Ranks

Ponung’s ascent through the ranks of the Indian Army is a story of rapid progression and exceptional leadership. Within just four and a half years, she was promoted to Major in 2012, becoming the first Army Major from Arunachal Pradesh. In 2019, she achieved another milestone by being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, the first woman from her state to reach this rank. Her promotion to Colonel in 2023 solidified her status as a trailblazer, making her the first woman from North East India to hold this prestigious rank.

Rank	Year	Achievement
Lieutenant	2008	Commissioned into the Indian Army
Major	2012	First Army Major from Arunachal Pradesh
Lieutenant Colonel	2019	First woman from Arunachal Pradesh to achieve this rank
Colonel	2023	First woman from North East India to achieve this rank

 

Her rapid promotions reflect her dedication, professionalism, and ability to excel in challenging environments. Each milestone was celebrated not only by her family but also by the people of Arunachal Pradesh, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu publicly acknowledging her achievements on social media.

Service and Achievements

Colonel Doming’s career is marked by her willingness to take on demanding roles. In 2014, she served as a United Nations Military Observer during a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, demonstrating her commitment to global peace and international cooperation. This experience highlighted her ability to operate in complex and high-stakes environments.

Pic: Femina India

Currently, Colonel Doming commands a Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) in the strategically critical Leh region of Ladakh. She oversees vital infrastructure projects, including the construction and maintenance of the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La, a 52-km stretch connecting Chishumle village to Demchok. Operating at altitudes above 15,000 feet and in extreme weather conditions, her leadership ensures the success of projects critical to India’s national security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Her exemplary service has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) awarded on January 26, 2025, and the Army Commander’s Commendation Card, received twice. These honors underscore her outstanding contributions to the Indian Army and her role as a leader in the Corps of Engineers.

Award	Details
Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty)	Awarded on January 26, 2025, for exceptional service in Ladakh
Army Commander’s Commendation Card	Received twice for outstanding contributions

A Message of Inspiration

Colonel Doming’s journey is as much about inspiring others as it is about her own achievements. In an interview in Pune following her promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, she shared her pride in having her parents witness the milestone, stating, “My parents are with me right now travelling all the way from Arunachal Pradesh to attend and witness my promotion which is a proud moment for my parents also.” She expressed gratitude for the recognition from Chief Minister Pema Khandu, noting that it served as a significant motivation.

Her advice to young aspirants is both heartfelt and empowering: “My advice to the young aspirants of our Arunachal Pradesh and the region is that, dream big and above all have the courage to achieve or fulfill that in whatever field they are eyeing into... I will consider myself blessed if I am able to inspire even a single person to do whatever little we can do for our state and the country.” She also emphasizes her mantra of the “3 D’s” – dream, determination, and discipline – as the cornerstone of success.

These words resonate deeply, particularly for youth from North East India, where opportunities in the armed forces have historically been limited. Her message encourages perseverance and a commitment to serving the nation, regardless of the challenges faced.

Impact and Legacy

Colonel Ponung Doming’s achievements are a source of immense pride for Arunachal Pradesh, the North East region, and India as a whole. In a country where women constitute only 3.8% of Army officers, her rise to Colonel is a significant step toward gender equality in the military. Her role as the first woman to command a BRTF in Ladakh highlights the evolving presence of women in leadership positions within the armed forces.

Her story has inspired countless young women, particularly from underrepresented regions, to pursue careers in defense. By breaking the glass ceiling, she has paved the way for future generations to dream big and serve their nation with pride. Her feature in Femina’s Independence Day special series, In The Line Of Duty, alongside other trailblazing women officers, further amplifies her impact, showcasing the strength and resilience of women in the Indian Army.

Conclusion

Colonel Ponung Doming’s journey from Pasighat to the peaks of Ladakh is a powerful narrative of courage, leadership, and national service. Her achievements as the first woman Colonel from North East India, her leadership in challenging terrains, and her commitment to inspiring others make her a true role model.

As she continues to serve with distinction, her legacy will motivate generations to pursue their dreams with determination and discipline, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive India.

Cover Pic: Femina India