Meet Major Rinchen Dolma Kolto: Ladakh’s 1st Woman Army Officer and First Female Skydiver

Major Rinchen Dolma Kolto (Retd) stands as a pioneering figure in the Indian Armed Forces — the first woman Army officer from the Leh region of Ladakh and the first female skydiver from Ladakh. Her journey from a small village in Spituk to donning the olive green uniform, completing 54 solo skydives, and continuing to serve the veteran community has made her an enduring source of inspiration for defence aspirants, particularly young women from remote and high-altitude regions.

On 26–27 June 2026, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), personally felicitated Major Kolto during his visit to the Fire and Fury Corps. She was honoured with the Veteran Achievers Award alongside other distinguished veterans for her exceptional post-retirement contributions to veterans’ welfare, healthcare delivery in remote Ladakh areas, support for ex-servicemen and Veer Naris, skill development, and community nation-building initiatives.

Early Life and the Spark of Inspiration

Born and raised in Spituk, Leh — a village situated close to an Indian Air Force station — Major Kolto grew up witnessing officers in uniform on a daily basis. While male officers were a common sight, the presence of women in uniform deeply moved her. The 1999 Kargil conflict further crystallised her ambition when she saw both male and female pilots stationed at the airbase, serving the nation with distinction.

“I saw both male and female pilots stationed at an air force station and all these inspired me to become one of them. It made me happy to see them in their uniforms and working for the nation,” she recalled in an interview.

Her participation in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during school and college years provided the discipline, exposure, and eventual opportunity to turn her childhood dream into reality.

Commissioning and Service in the Indian Army

Major Kolto received her call letter from the Indian Army in 2010. She successfully completed her one-year officer training in 2011 and went on to serve for a decade. She rose to the rank of Major before opting for voluntary retirement.

Her service is closely associated with the Ladakh Scouts, the iconic regiment raised from the rugged terrain of Ladakh. As one of the earliest women officers from the Leh region, she helped pave the way for greater representation of women from the Union Territory in the armed forces.

Throughout her service, Major Kolto embodied the resilience and endurance that high-altitude living instils. Ladakhi personnel are often noted for their exceptional lung capacity and ability to operate effectively in extreme conditions — qualities she demonstrated both in uniform and in her adventurous pursuits.

Skydiving: Shattering Another Barrier

Beyond her regular military duties, Major Kolto pursued adventure activities with passion. She became the first woman from Ladakh to take up skydiving and qualified for solo jumps. To date, she has successfully completed 54 solo skydives across various locations in India and Dubai.

“Skydiving was one such experience that made me feel alive and gave me a new perspective on life,” she has stated. Her interest also extended toward paratrooper training, reflecting the same spirit of courage and adventure that defines elite military training.

She also participated in Indian Army women officers’ mountaineering expeditions, further showcasing the multi-dimensional capabilities of women in uniform.

Voluntary Retirement and Lifelong Service

After ten years of dedicated service, Major Kolto chose to take voluntary release around 2021. Her decision was driven by a desire to spend quality time with her parents and maintain balance in life — a choice that reflects the grounded values she continues to espouse.

Far from stepping away from public service, she redirected her energies toward the welfare of veterans and the broader Ladakhi community. Her initiatives have focused on improving healthcare access in remote villages, expanding support networks for ex-servicemen and war widows, promoting skill development and self-reliance, and securing welfare measures for veteran families.

Recent Recognition by the Chief of the Army Staff

The Veteran Achievers Award conferred by COAS General Upendra Dwivedi in June 2026 is a formal acknowledgement of Major Kolto’s sustained contributions beyond her uniformed service. The honour was conferred during the COAS’s visit to the Fire and Fury Corps, recognising five distinguished veterans for their work in veterans’ welfare, healthcare, community development, and nation-building in Ladakh.

This recognition is particularly significant as it highlights how officers from Ladakh continue to serve the nation and their community long after hanging up their uniform.

Philosophy and Message to Aspirants

Major Kolto’s guiding principle remains simple yet powerful: “If everyone else can do it, why can’t I.”

In her interactions with the media and aspirants, she consistently emphasises:

• Genuine passion and thorough preparation over following trends
• The importance of parental support and open communication within families
• Maintaining physical fitness, mental resilience, and life balance
• The vast opportunities available in the armed forces, alongside the challenges that demand discipline and perseverance

She advises young girls from Ladakh and similar regions aspiring to join the Army to explore entry routes such as NDA, CDS (through UPSC), and SSB interviews, while staying committed to both physical and mental preparedness.

Her message to readers is clear and timeless: “Maintain a positive attitude, practice discipline, and stay physically active through exercise. Patience and hard work are both essential qualities for achieving success. These habits will help you lead a healthy and fulfilling life.”

A Lasting Legacy

Major Rinchen Dolma Kolto (Retd) is more than a pioneering officer — she is a symbol of what determination, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility can achieve. From being the first woman Army officer from Leh to completing dozens of skydives and continuing to uplift the veteran community in Ladakh, her life story offers powerful lessons for defence aspirants preparing for SSB interviews, young women breaking barriers in uniform, and anyone who believes in service beyond self.

Her journey reinforces that the uniform may be worn for a defined period, but the spirit of service can — and often does — last a lifetime.