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Captain Sandhya Mahla
On Army Day 2025, Captain Sandhya Mahla will etch her name in history as she becomes the first woman officer to command two prestigious women contingents of the Indian Army. This landmark event will unfold during the Army Day parade in Pune, hosted for the first time at the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) and Centre.
A Historic Milestone
Captain Sandhya, a second-generation officer, previously led the tri-services women’s contingent during the Republic Day parade in 2024. This time, she will lead the women’s Agniveer contingent, showcasing the strength and capability of women in the armed forces. Speaking about the honor, she expressed her pride and determination:
“It will be a proud moment for me when I lead the 58-member contingent. We have been practicing and fine-tuning our drills. We aim to become the best contingent of the parade.”
A Journey of Perseverance and Inspiration
Captain Sandhya’s journey to success was anything but easy. Originally from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, she drew inspiration from her father, Subedar KR Mahla, who served the Indian Army for 38 years. Despite holding an MSc in Chemistry, Captain Sandhya chose to follow her passion for the military.
Her determination was evident as she overcame eight rejections at the Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews. She attributed her success to perseverance and continuous self-improvement, stating:
“I kept working to develop my skills. Eventually, perseverance paid off.”
Preparing for the Challenge
For the past 40 days, Captain Sandhya and her team have been rigorously preparing for the parade, training alongside contingents from the Madras Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry, Regiment of Artillery, Bombay Engineering Group, and Army Ordnance Corps. With four-hour daily sessions, her team is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence. “Our contingent is young, fit, and has achieved an excellent standard in parade drills,” said Captain Sharanya Rao, the second-in-command of the women’s Agniveer contingent.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Examples
Captain Sandhya’s achievements symbolize the evolving role of women in the Indian Army. Her leadership in commanding these contingents sends a strong message about gender equality and empowerment in the armed forces.
As Captain Sandhya Mahla leads the women’s Agniveer contingent on January 15, 2025, she will not only make history but also inspire countless women to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the limitless possibilities for those who dare to dream big.
