Inspiring Story of Lt Prannay Chhabra
Every Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, celebrates the commissioning of young men and women into the Indian Army. Among the newly commissioned officers of the Spring Term 2026, one story stood out for its extraordinary military heritage.
Junior Under Officer (JUO) Prannay Chhabra became the latest member of his family to wear the uniform, carrying forward a remarkable four-generation Army legacy.
As he marched across the Drill Square and took the historic “Antim Pag” at the Indian Military Academy, he was not just beginning his own journey as an Army officer but he was continuing a tradition of service that spans generations.
A Legacy That Began During World War II
The Chhabra family’s association with military service began with Prannay’s great-grandfather, Captain Gopaldas Banga. He served as a doctor in the British Indian Army Medical Corps during the Second World War and was posted in Egypt as part of military medical units supporting operations in North Africa.
At a time when the world was engulfed in conflict, he dedicated his skills and expertise to caring for soldiers serving far from home. His service laid the foundation for a tradition that would continue through future generations.
From Medical Corps to Ordnance Corps
The next generation carried the family’s commitment to military service into a different branch of the Army.
Prannay’s grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Arjun Dev Chhabra, served in the Army Ordnance Corps. While infantry soldiers fight on the frontlines, the Ordnance Corps ensures that troops receive the weapons, equipment, ammunition, and supplies necessary to perform their duties effectively.
His contribution demonstrated that every branch of the Army plays a vital role in national defence.
A Family Deeply Connected to the Armed Forces
The military tradition continued with the next generation of the family.
Prannay’s uncle, Lieutenant Colonel Naveen Chhabra (Retd), served in the Regiment of Artillery, one of the Army’s key combat arms. His father, Major General Praveen Chhabra, is a serving officer of the Armoured Corps and has held several important appointments during his distinguished career. These include serving as General Officer Commanding of the 20 Mountain Division, Inspector General (Operations) of the National Security Guard (NSG), and General Officer Commanding of 72 Sub Area in Ladakh.
Growing up in such an environment, Prannay witnessed firsthand the values of discipline, leadership, and service to the nation.
Choosing the Uniform in a World Full of Options
Today, young people have countless career opportunities available to them. Yet Prannay chose to follow the path taken by the generations before him.
According to the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), what makes his story special is not merely the continuation of a family tradition but the conscious decision to embrace a profession that demands sacrifice, courage, and commitment.
The Army uniform is not inherited. Every officer must earn it through hard work, training, and dedication.
From NDA to IMA
Like many future Army officers, Prannay first trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, before joining the Indian Military Academy for pre-commission training.
The journey from NDA to IMA is demanding. It involves years of physical training, academics, military education, field exercises, and leadership development. By the time a cadet reaches the Passing Out Parade at IMA, they have undergone a complete transformation into a military leader. For Prannay, this journey carried an additional responsibility, the responsibility of upholding a family legacy built over decades.
The story of Prannay Chhabra reminds aspirants that while family traditions may inspire a person, success in the Armed Forces ultimately depends on individual effort. Every officer must clear competitive examinations, succeed at the SSB, meet medical standards, and complete rigorous military training.
