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Lt Deepti Rana Territorial Army
This article will take you through the journey of Lt Deepti Rana, the first non-departmental woman territorial army officer. A voyage from Central Hall of Parliament to Chanakya Hall of OTA Chennai. From overcoming challenges to achieving her dreams, Lt Deepti Rana of Territorial Army shares her experience of navigating the rigorous training and the pride that comes with wearing the uniform. Her journey is a testament to the strength and perseverance required to serve the country while balancing the demands of civilian life.
One fine morning in 2016, I came across a news article featuring MP Sh. Anurag Thakur donning the olive green uniform. I was intrigued and after some research, I came to know about the Territorial Army (TA) which provides an opportunity to gainfully employed civilians to serve in the Indian Army.
I have always been interested in Armed Forces and its operations but I never thought of being a part of it. But destiny had something else in store for me. I thought out aloud to myself that what could be a better opportunity than Territorial Army to serve the nation at both the fronts. On that day, my passion towards Armed forces reached a new height and I made up my mind to join TA. But my dreams came crashing down when the notification stated that only male candidates can apply in TA. In words of Paulo Coelho “when you want something so badly, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it”. Along with me, the hopes of other female candidates were rekindled, when a PIL was filed to consider females for TA entry . Ultimately after fighting the legal battle for 3 years, Territorial Army finally allowed female entry. In the next few months, I appeared in the three stage process of selection: Written exam, PIB Interview and SSB. Fortunately, I was one of the 13 women candidates who were recommended by SSB Bhopal.
In civil sphere, I continued working as Legislative Officer in Parliament of India. I distinctly remember the date i.e 22nd April 2021, when I got a call and the words were, “Jai Hind Sahab. You have been selected in the merit list of TA ”. That was the first time that I was saluted by those three magical words. My happiness knew no bounds. At that moment, I forgot the world around me and rushed to MoD to confirm the news. I was dumbstruck to know that I was the only women candidate selected. Hereby, I was given the opportunity to become part of history as I became the first and only women officer in Non-Departmental TA . This moment reassured my conviction to always have the courage to push for my dreams. That day I realised that if you have grit and determination, anything and everything is possible. Five years back, I decided to be part of the Armed Forces and here I am today, after fighting battles at various fronts, wearing two stars on my shoulders.
But the actual journey to become a fauji started from OTA Chennai . The excitement of becoming an Army officer soon faded away and it was replaced by the hardships of being a cadet at OTA. The day was to start at 0400 hours. I didn’t remember the last time my alarm rang at 4 a.m!! To further add to my troubles, the weather in Chennai was unbearable. I, who was working in a desk job dealing with files and folders, doing research on Laws and Bills, was suddenly shifted to Acharya Training Area full of mud, snails and snakes. When I went there for the first time, my legs were trembling and I was petrified by the thought of PPT and BPET. The day I started my PT, I was unable to run 500 m, forget about 5 Kms. Soon I discovered that it would be an uphill task, literally.Next my wavy hair were cut short and I couldn’t face the mirror for many days. But given the hot and humid weather of Chennai, it was a blessing in disguise. I soon fell in love with my new look as it was very liberating.
I vividly remember that day in the Baffle range, when I heard the sound of a rifle shot for the first time and my heart was in my mouth. From not being able to cock the Rifle to firing a Rocket Launcher, the transformation has been phenomenal. I didn’t realise how subtly my most potent weapon changed from Pen to Rifle. From wearing sunscreen in Delhi everytime I used to step out, to wearing that training tan with pride, I have evolved a lot as a person. But the most dreaded place in the entire Academy was Drill Square. I have had sleepless nights before drill. My inability to distinguish between Daya and Baya added to my troubles. I must say I gave some really tough time to the DI Sahab party.
Initially I felt lonely and homesick and everyday both my body and mind wanting to give up. We were running around everywhere, sleeping in classes, undergoing weapons training, waking at night, getting minimal sleep, going for camps. But after 2–3 weeks, I started enjoying the strenuous physical exercises with my new found course mates, appreciating the training ethics, understanding the drill procedure. The hardships that we went through together made our bond stronger. This training changed me as a person and enriched my life in every possible manner. I realised that what doesn’t kill makes you stronger. What appeared to be a harsh way of life in the beginning, was actually a great way to bring out the best in us by confronting our fears head on.
The training brought out our fears, talents, camaraderie, friendship, leadership, our truths, our lies and what we really stand for. It made me understand what human mind and body can achieve. I might not be the best in my batch, but this training taught me that it is not required to be the best, what is more important is the zeal, passion and perseverance to go beyond the perceived boundaries and become the best version of yourself. And in this process, it is not only you who grows, but the entire system grows alonf with you. I will always cherish the days that I spent at OTA for my lifetime and given a chance, I would return back here again….
So this was my journey of falling in mud, fainting, gasping for breath, sleepless nights, scars and bruises to eventually becoming a fine soldier. Here I learnt how to live like a queen and at the same time how to toil like a soldier .This is not my journey alone but also the journey of thousands of fine officers that this Academy has produced till date. On 13th November 2021, when I successfully completed my training, Indian Army took another step towards becoming a more gender equitable, gender neutral and gender inclusive organisation. I would end by quoting T.S. Eliot “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” Jai Hind.
