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Meet Rutuja Warhade and Nandini Waikar
In a country where service to the nation is often regarded as the highest duty, two young women from Pune — Rutuja Warhade and Nandini Waikar — have taken their dreams all the way to the National Defence Academy (NDA). Their recent selection into one of the world’s most prestigious military training institutions is not just a testament to personal determination but also a reflection of family support and quiet resilience.
Rutuja Warhade, who secured an All India Rank 3 and was the first-ranked female candidate, knew as early as Class 9 that she wanted to join the armed forces. “My father had once dreamed of joining the forces but couldn’t pursue it due to lack of facilities. I wanted to fulfil that dream,” she said. When Warhade first witnessed the Passing Out Parade of NDA, it left a lasting impact and deepened her resolve.
Preparing for the toughest hurdle in the process — the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview — became her sole focus. With help from retired officers, teachers, and batchmates, Warhade pushed through. She credits her mother for laying a strong academic foundation that helped her clear the written examination with ease. Warhade admitted that managing time between academics, fitness, and personality development was not easy. “Discipline was the only constant. I had to say no to distractions and stay focused every single day,” she said.
Warhade is now preparing for the rigorous four-year training ahead — three years at NDA and one more at the service academy. “The course will be physically and mentally demanding. I’ve already started preparing for it,” she said. Her parents are proud and emotional. “She got the fruits of her hard work. There were times she felt low, but we stood by her. She never gave up,” her father said. Her mother added, “It was my dream to see my children do something extraordinary. Rutuja always wanted to do something out of the box. She found inspiration in her father and maternal grandfather, who had also attempted the SSB. As parents, especially of daughters, it’s important that we support their choices and believe in them”.
Nandini Waikar, who secured an All India Rank 27, was the third-highest-ranked female candidate. She also grew up with a dream to join the forces. “Three years ago, I decided to join NDA. Since then, I’ve been preparing. My family and friends were my biggest support,” she said. The SSB interview, she said, was the most demanding part of the process.What gave her an edge was the leadership development she underwent during various academy events. “We would practice speaking on different topics, which improved my communication and confidence,” Waikar said.
Her father, overwhelmed with emotion, said, “It was the most beautiful moment of my life. I had taken her to many parades, and I saw the spark in her eyes. She’s a born fighter.” Her mother, equally proud, said, “She worked so hard, often sacrificing sleep. I used to tell her stories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose vision and courage inspired our family. She wanted to contribute to the nation just like him.”
The selection of Warhade and Waikar to NDA comes at a time when the first batch of girl cadets who were admitted to the military training institute in June 2022 is set to pass out from the academy in May this year. The academy has said that the training has been conducted in a gender-neutral and gender-sensitive manner.
Their stories are not just about personal achievements but also about breaking barriers and setting new standards. As they don the uniform, they carry with them the dreams of countless young women aspiring to serve the nation.
