Meet Lt Colonel Ravinder Jeet Randhawa: India’s First Veer Nari Who Paved the Way for Others

Lt Col Ravinder Jeet Randhawa (retd.), affectionately known as Romi, stands as a monumental figure in Indian military history. At the age of 51, she is celebrated as the first Veer Nari a term used to honor the widows of martyred soldiers to join the Indian Army as a commissioned officer.

Her journey is a powerful narrative of love, loss, and resilience, embodying the spirit of patriotism and perseverance. By choosing to serve in the Army after the tragic loss of her husband, Major Sukhwinder Jeet Singh Randhawa, she not only honored his legacy but also set a precedent for other Veer Naris, inspiring a new chapter in the Indian Army’s history.

Early Life and Family

Born in Chautala village, Tarn Taran district, Punjab, Ravinder was the youngest of three siblings. Her father, employed in the state tourism department, provided a supportive environment that shaped her early years. At 25, she married Major Sukhwinder Jeet Singh Randhawa, an officer in the 2 Rashtriya Rifles, and their daughter, Simran, was born a year before his martyrdom. This period of her life was marked by love and hope, soon to be tested by profound tragedy.

The Tragic Loss of Major Sukhwinder Jeet Singh Randhawa

On June 17, 1997, Ravinder’s life changed irrevocably. While watching the television serial Shanti on Doordarshan, she received the devastating news of her husband’s death. Major Sukhwinder, serving in Jammu and Kashmir, was leading a counter-terror operation in Kashipora village, Anantnag district. Based on intelligence inputs, his unit engaged terrorists in a fierce encounter. Despite being hit by enemy fire, Major Randhawa continued to fight, eliminating two terrorists before succumbing to his injuries. His bravery earned him the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, awarded posthumously. Ravinder, then 27, was left to raise their 18-month-old daughter, Simran, alone.

A Bold Decision to Serve

Eight months after her husband’s martyrdom, Ravinder made a remarkable decision: to join the Indian Army. At 27, she was three years above the age limit of 25 for Army recruitment, but her resolve was unwavering. Inspired by her husband’s words, “I want to raise my child in an army background for it’s a beautiful organization,” she sought to continue his legacy and provide a stable future for Simran. Her father-in-law, a former Army man, further encouraged her, reinforcing her determination.

Ranjana Malik, the wife of then Army Chief General Ved Prakash Malik, played a pivotal role in making Ravinder’s dream a reality. Recognizing her courage, Ranjana advocated for a special waiver from the defence ministry, which was granted after discussions with then Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. 

Ravinder cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview in December 1997 and joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai in March 1998. In September 1998, she graduated alongside Sabina Singh, another widow of a martyred soldier, marking a historic moment as the Indian Army became the first in the world to commission widows of its fallen soldiers as officers.

Military Career and Achievements

Commissioned into the Ordnance Corps, Ravinder served with distinction, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Her military career was marked by both professional excellence and personal achievements. She embraced challenging assignments, including becoming a scuba diver and participating in multiple marathons, notably one in the rugged terrain of Ladakh. These accomplishments reflect her physical and mental resilience, qualities that defined her service.

In April 1998, Ravinder accepted the Kirti Chakra on behalf of her husband, wearing her OTA uniform a poignant symbol of her commitment to carry forward his legacy. Her service not only honored her husband but also demonstrated the potential of women in the armed forces, challenging traditional barriers.

Personal Insights from Cost of War

Ravinder’s daughter, Simran, offers a deeply personal perspective in her book, Cost of War, published in 2022. Simran, who was just 18 months old when her father was martyred, recounts the emotional void left by his absence. She describes using a toy phone to make imaginary calls to her father, a heart-wrenching reflection of a child grappling with loss. The book also chronicles Ravinder’s transformation from a grieving widow to a determined Army officer, highlighting her strength and patriotism.

Simran, now 26 and studying psychology in Canada, emphasizes the broader impact of war on families. She writes, “War does not just end with fallen soldiers. It also leaves behind the tattered lives of their families.” Cost of War is a testament to the resilience of Ravinder and Simran, offering readers a glimpse into the personal sacrifices made in the name of duty. Reviews praise the book for its honest portrayal of the emotional and psychological toll on families, with one reader noting, “The book honestly reflects the pain engraved on the hearts of the families left behind”.

Legacy and Inspiration

Ravinder Randhawa’s pioneering step set a precedent for other Veer Naris, inspiring women like Nitika Kaul, who joined the Army after losing her husband in 2019. Her courage made the Indian Army a global pioneer in commissioning widows of fallen soldiers. Media outlets, including The Week and Brighter Kashmir, have celebrated her as a trailblazer, with stories highlighting her role in breaking barriers for women in the military.

Ravinder’s involvement with the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) further underscores her commitment to supporting military families. In a 2025 YouTube video, she shared insights on AWWA’s role in empowering Army wives, reflecting her ongoing dedication to the Army community.

Personal Life and Family

Ravinder’s daughter, Simran, has grown into a source of pride, returning from Canada after completing her education. Their bond, forged through shared loss and resilience, is a cornerstone of their story. Simran’s book and public reflections, such as her 2019 tribute on Honourpoint, reveal the depth of their connection: “The older I get, the more I understand my father’s sacrifice, but I would be lying if I said I understood it all my life”.

Key Milestones in Lt Col Ravinder Randhawa’s Journey

Event	Details
Birth	Born in Chautala village, Tarn Taran, Punjab; youngest of three siblings
Marriage	Married Major Sukhwinder Jeet Singh Randhawa at age 25
Husband’s Martyrdom	June 17, 1997, in Kashipora, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir; awarded Kirti Chakra
Decision to Join Army	Eight months after husband’s death, at age 27, with a one-year-old daughter
SSB Exam	Cleared in December 1997
OTA Training	Joined in March 1998, graduated in September 1998
Commissioned	Into Ordnance Corps; rose to Lieutenant Colonel
Achievements	Became a scuba diver, ran marathons including one in Ladakh
Legacy	First Veer Nari to join Indian Army, inspiring others

Conclusion

Lt Col Ravinder Jeet Randhawa’s life is a saga of courage, determination, and patriotism. As the first Veer Nari to join the Indian Army, she transformed personal tragedy into a legacy of service, breaking barriers and inspiring countless others.

Her story, amplified by her daughter Simran’s Cost of War, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. Ravinder’s journey continues to resonate, embodying the indomitable spirit of those who serve and sacrifice for their nation.