Meet Major Priya Jhingan: Lady Cadet No. 1 Who Joined OTA Chennai

Major Priya Jhingan’s name is etched in the annals of Indian military history as the first lady cadet to join the Indian Army. Enrolled as Lady Cadet No. 1 at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai on September 21, 1992, she paved the way for women in a traditionally male-dominated institution.

Her journey from a determined young woman advocating for gender inclusion to a respected officer, educator, and adventurer—exemplifies resilience, courage, and a commitment to equality. This article delves into her life, career, and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Inspiration

Priya Jhingan was born into a family with a strong service ethos, as her father was a police officer. This background instilled in her a desire to serve in uniform. Initially, she aspired to join the Indian Police Service (IPS), influenced by her father’s career.

However, her ambitions shifted toward the Indian Army, a field that, in the early 1990s, did not permit women to serve as officers. Undeterred by this barrier, Priya took a bold step that would change the course of her life and open doors for future generations of women.

Pioneering the Path for Women in the Army

In the early 1990s, the Indian Army was exclusively male, with no provisions for women officers. Determined to challenge this status quo, Priya wrote a letter to the then Chief of Army Staff, General Sunith Francis Rodrigues, urging him to open the armed services to women.

Her initiative was met with a promising response: General Rodrigues informed her that the Army was planning to induct women officers within a year or two. This letter, which Priya considers her most prized possession, marked the beginning of her journey to serve in the Army.

While awaiting the opportunity, Priya pursued a law degree, equipping herself with the skills that would later define her military career. In 1992, her persistence was rewarded when the Indian Army published an advertisement inviting women to join as officers. Priya applied and was selected, earning her a place in history.

Also Read: Meet Colonel Sapna Rana: Himachal’s 1st Woman Colonel in Indian Army

Training at OTA Chennai

On September 21, 1992, Priya Jhingan enrolled as Lady Cadet No. 1 at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, becoming the first woman to join the Indian Army. She was part of a historic batch of 25 women who underwent rigorous training, designed to match the intensity of their male counterparts.

The training was both physically and mentally demanding, with no concessions made for gender. Priya and her batchmates faced unique challenges in a male-dominated environment, including sharing facilities like the swimming pool with male cadets and overcoming initial discomfort.

A notable incident during her training underscored her courage. When a drunk jawan entered her room, Priya confronted him, leading to his court-martial and dismissal from the Army.

This episode highlighted her ability to handle adversity with strength and decisiveness. Despite initial challenges, such as the women cadets’ requests for amenities like warm water and a salon, the rigorous training toughened them, preparing them for the demands of military service.

Training Details	Description
Enrollment Date	September 21, 1992
Training Location	Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Batch Size	25 women cadets
Training Rigor	Matched male cadets’ routine, no gender concessions
Notable Incident	Confronted a drunk jawan, leading to his court-martial

Commissioning and Service in the Army

On March 6, 1993, Priya Jhingan was commissioned as an officer, graduating as the Silver Medallist of her course—a testament to her dedication and excellence. Although she requested a posting in the infantry to serve in a combat role, the Army’s policies at the time did not allow women in such positions. Instead, she was assigned to the Corps of Judge Advocate General (JAG), leveraging her law degree.

As a JAG officer, Priya conducted numerous Court Martials, demonstrating her legal expertise and leadership. One memorable moment was her first Court Martial, where she confidently claimed it was her sixth trial to impress the members, showcasing her wit and grit. Throughout her 10-year service, Priya experienced no gender discrimination, with all women cadets respectfully referred to as “Sir,” reflecting the equality they commanded.

Military Service Details	Description
Commission Date	March 6, 1993
Rank Achieved	Major
Role	Officer in Charge, Judge Advocate General (JAG)
Service Duration	10 years (1992–2002)
Key Achievement	Silver Medallist, First Women’s Course

Priya served primarily at the Chennai headquarters, where she was Officer in Charge (OIC) of the JAG department. She described her service as “a dream I have lived every day for the last ten years,” reflecting her passion for her role.

However, she was vocal about her opposition to the 10-year service limit for women officers, though she chose not to seek an extension to avoid conflicts with personal obligations.

Also Read: Meet Major Abhilasha Barak: India’s First Woman Combat Aviator

Life After the Army

In 2002, Major Priya Jhingan retired from the Army as per her contract. Her post-military life was as dynamic as her service years. She cleared the Haryana Judicial Services examination but opted not to join, choosing instead to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. She worked as an editor for Sikkim Express in Gangtok, showcasing her versatility.

In 2013, Priya joined The Lawrence School, Sanawar, as an English teacher and House Mistress, where she mentored young students. Her adventurous spirit remained strong, leading her to participate in Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 1 in 2013, where she demonstrated her courage in a new arena.

In August 2019, she scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching the summit at 5,895 meters above sea level, accompanied by seven female students and a female teacher. This feat underscored her commitment to empowering women and promoting adventure.

Post-Army Achievements	Description
Education	Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication
Career	Editor at Sikkim Express, English teacher and House Mistress at The Lawrence School, Sanawar (2013–present)
Adventure	Scaled Mount Kilimanjaro (August 2019)
Media Appearance	Participant in Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 1 (2013)

Personal Life

Priya Jhingan is married to retired Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Malhotra, and they have a son named Aryaman (also referred to as Abhimanyu in some sources). The family resides in Himachal Pradesh, where her husband runs an adventure sports company, Pep Turf. Priya’s life post-Army balances family, education, and her passion for adventure, reflecting her multifaceted personality.

Legacy and Advocacy

Major Priya Jhingan’s legacy extends far beyond her pioneering role in the Indian Army. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in the armed forces, notably defending women officers in the context of Lieutenant Sushmita Chakravarty’s suicide case. Her views, published in The Times of India on February 17, 2020, contributed to a landmark Supreme Court ruling in February 2020 that granted women equal opportunities in the Army, including permanent commissions and combat roles.

In February 2018, Priya was felicitated by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, among 112 prominent women, recognizing her contributions to society and the military. Her advocacy and achievements continue to inspire women to pursue careers in the armed forces and beyond.

Legacy Highlights	Description
Advocacy	Contributed to 2020 Supreme Court ruling for equal opportunities for women in the Army
Recognition	Felicitated by President Shri Ram Nath Kovind (February 2018)
Impact	Inspired generations of women to pursue military careers

Conclusion

Major Priya Jhingan’s journey from a determined young woman to the first lady cadet in the Indian Army is a story of breaking barriers and pursuing excellence. Her contributions as a JAG officer, educator, adventurer, and advocate for gender equality have left an indelible mark on Indian society.

From her bold letter to General Rodrigues to her ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Priya’s life exemplifies courage, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others. Her legacy continues to inspire women to dream big and challenge conventions in all spheres of life.