Kolhapur’s Saee Jadhav becomes first woman cadet to pass out of IMA

 

 

 

SAEE Jadhav from Maharashtra’s Kolhapur has become the first woman Territorial Army officer to complete pre-commissioning training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, breaking the institution’s 93-year-old tradition of male-only officer training. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated her and said her achievement is an inspiring milestone that gives direction to the dreams of countless young girls across the country. Jadhav, 23, was commissioned as a Lieutenant during the Passing Out Parade of the 157th course held last week, marking a historic milestone for the IMA, which was established in 1932 and has since produced generations of Army officers.

 

She was commissioned into the services on December 13 during the commissioning ceremony at IMA, Dehradun. Speaking to PTI, Saee’s father Sandip Jadhav, a serving major with the Territorial Army, said that Saee has been commissioned into the 130 Territorial Army (ecological) battalion of Kumaon Regiment at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. Saee is currently pursuing her MBA through distance learning, he said.

 

“While pursuing her MBA, she was also preparing for competitive exams and TA (Territorial Army). She appeared for the exam in December 2023. There was only one vacancy for a woman officer in TA and since her rank was at the top in merit, she was selected,” said Major Jadhav. “She is now commissioned into 130 Infantry Battalion of Kumaon Regiment at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand,” he said.