Meet Captain Sandhya Mahla who has master’s degree in Chemistry, appeared for SSB 8 times but…, led first ever…

Success stories are not just about the end achievement, but what goes behind – story to glory – is what matters and inspires. Fire of passion fuel the dreams and there is no two ways about it. Similarly, for Sandhya Mahla, she dreamt of joining the defense forces and her passion was fueled every time has faced a predicament.

Sandhy Mahla’s desire to join the forces was kindled right in her childhood. Her father Subedar K. R. Mahla (Retd) served the Signal Corps of the Indian Army. “He would often take me with him and show me around. The campus of the services always offered a pleasant contrast to the civilian life outside. I wanted to join the defence forces from a young age,” says Captain Mahla in an interview with The Week.

Sandhya Mahla’s Journey to The Army

Sandhya Mahla had pursued her graduation in Bsc Chemistry Honours from Shivaji College of Delhi University. After this, she completed her master’s degree from Guru Nanak Dev University. She then decided to start her journey of perseverance to join the forces.

Mahla appeared for her first SSB interview in 2018. But it was no cakewalk. She appeared atleast 8 times before being commissioned. Due to certain setbacks in form of multiple merit-outs, she had to re-take her exams every time until she did not.

What takes the spotlight here is her unshaken determination and perseverance to achieve what she eyed for always. She finally earned her place at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, in 2021 after successfully clearing eight SSBs.

A History Created

On the 75th Republic Day, Captain Mahla led a trailblazing troop of 148 all women contingent from all forces – Army, Navy and Airforce and marched down the Kartavya Path in Delhi.

This year she craeted history as she became the first woman officer ever to have commanded two prestigious women contingents of the Indian Army. Captain Mahla led the women’s Agniveer contingent at the Army Day parade, which was set to take place in Pune for the first time, at the city’s Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) and Centre.

Mahla’s story is a living testimony of grit and determination. If you have your head set, no storm can waver off the spirit of achievement. However, nothing comes easy, one must work hard and smart and be persevere greatness.

 

 

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