The Jhansi Ranis

India's historical tapestry is intricately woven with the courageous tales of legendary women warriors who fearlessly defended their kingdoms against invaders. From the formidable Mata Bhag Kaur and Maharani Tara Bai to the iconic Rani Lakshmi Bai and Avanti Bai Lodhi, these remarkable figures shattered gender norms and etched their names into the annals of India's heritage. Their valour and resilience during the tumultuous Mughal and British eras show the indomitable spirit of Indian womanhood.

Since the landmark decision in 1992 to allow women into the defence forces, India has witnessed a transformative shift towards gender inclusivity in its armed services. Over the years, women have emerged not only as participants but as key figures, making significant strides in the Army, navy, and Air Force. Their inclusion in combat roles underscores their growing influence and recognition within the defence establishment, reflecting a paradigm shift where serving in the military is more than just a profession—it is a way of life.

Today's modern India draws inspiration from these brave women of the past. Their legacy of leadership and empowerment is reflected in the numerous women excelling and leading in various domains, ensuring that the spirit of gender equality and empowerment continues to thrive. Women empowerment in India extends beyond the military. Women have achieved economic independence through self-help groups and various startups. They are active in education and have been given privileges to advance in this field, supported by movements such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter). Women are also making significant strides in politics, serving as leaders who amplify the voices of other women across the country and ensure they get a front stage. They are scientists, industrialists, educators, and political leaders, creating strong individual identities and making notable contributions in their respective fields. This progress is a continuation of the legacy left by historical figures who fought against the Mughals and Britishers, protecting their kingdoms and exemplifying good governance.

Since the 1990’s the government has made significant strides in empowering women in the defence sector. The number of women in the military has nearly tripled in the past six years, with more opportunities steadily opening up for them. This significant and positive change reflects India's commitment to empowering women in the defence sector. The defence sector was one of the last fields to include women. Initially, women were restricted to administrative roles and not allowed in combat fields. I was commissioned in 1997, during the early years when women served under short service commissions of five years. A pivotal moment came in 2020 when the Supreme Court passed the permanent commission order. In 2021, girls were admitted to the National Defense Academy (NDA), which was considered a place only for the nation's men. Things have changed drastically, now female cadets undergo the same rigorous three-year training as their male counterparts, emerging as well-trained officers.

These changes have opened new doors for women, inspiring them to carve out their own identities and pursue their dreams. Today, in every corner of India, whether in villages or towns, girls are ambitious and determined to achieve great things. Social and family constraints, once significant barriers, are diminishing as India progresses toward becoming a ‘Vishwa guru’ or a global leader and the third-largest economy in the world. Women are breaking barriers and glass ceilings, driven by a strong desire to excel.

Despite India's rich cultural heritage of female warriors, the defence sector remained untapped for many years. Therefore, entering combat roles has been a remarkable achievement for women, the inclusion of women in the Agniweers program and command positions due to the permanent commission, highlights their growing presence and success in the military. Women in combat forces are no longer a distant dream but a reality. Their motivation is extraordinary, and they excel in various defence roles. Now, with government support, women are eager to prove themselves as great fighters. They can now hold command positions, and lead units, battalions, squadrons, and ships, marking significant progress. This commitment to empowering women in the defence sector is a great step towards the future, reflecting the positive changes and advancements for women in India.

My motivation to join the forces stemmed from my family's military background. My father, the late Colonel Sunil Deshpande VSM, was commissioned in 1964 into the Second Maratha Light Infantry. He fought in the 1965 and 1971 wars. I admired his smartness, discipline, courage, and the Indian values he embodied. Initially, I aspired to wear a uniform, inspired by my father's impressive demeanour. However, during my college years, opportunities for women in the military had not yet opened. When the doors for women in the defence forces finally opened, my father's legacy and the rich history of India's defence forces inspired me to take this forward.. The National Cadet Corps (NCC)  played a crucial role in my development. It taught me camaraderie, friendship, extroversion, adjustment, and the importance of voicing opinions. The NCC gave me my first uniform, which I wore with pride. The exposure and experiences I gained from the NCC nurtured my character, instilled a sense of responsibility, and fostered resilience and determination. In 1993, I was honoured as the best girl cadet in the country, participated in the Republic Day parade, and received the Prime Minister's baton from then Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. I also represented India in England for a youth exchange program conducted by the NCC. Joining the Air Force further shaped my character. The Indian Armed Forces secure the country, fight enemies, and come to the aid of citizens during disasters and emergencies. Whether it's a train accident, flood, cloudburst, or earthquake, the defence forces are the first to respond. This sense of duty and the trust that citizens place in the defence forces deeply influenced me, transforming my character into what it is today.

Following these principles, my father decided to start the NGO Prahar Samaj Jagruthi Sanstha, a unique organisation focused on instilling soldierly qualities such as courage, vigilance, discipline, values of life, and patriotism in society. The inspiration behind founding this organisation is deeply rooted in my father's life and experiences. After serving in the Indian Army and fighting in two wars, he was posted to Belgaum in 1990. There, the renowned actor Nana Patekar approached him to make a movie portraying the qualities ingrained in a soldier during training and how a soldier reacts when confronted with societal corruption and injustice. This collaboration led to the creation of the movie *Prahar*, released in 1991. Inspired by the movie and the discussions between my father and Nana Patekar, my father decided to change his battlefield from the frontlines to the Indian society. In 1994, he founded Prahar Samaj Jagruthi Sanstha to spread soldierly qualities in the community. The goal was to create responsible, disciplined, and patriotic citizens who could uplift society.

Since its inception, Prahar Samaj Jagruthi Sanstha has achieved numerous milestones. We organise residential camps for children, which have been attended by over 60,000 participants. These camps instil qualities such as camaraderie, discipline, and patriotism in young minds. The positive feedback from former participants, now successful professionals, is a testament to our impact. Our outreach extends to colleges and the corporate sector, where we conduct outbound training workshops. These workshops use military obstacles to teach valuable life lessons and build character. For example, participants learn to focus on their goals, take initiative, and show gratitude to those who have helped them along the way. A significant achievement is the establishment of the Prahar Defence Academy, through which 332 boys and girls are now serving as officers in the Indian Defence Forces. We initially focused on guiding students for the SSB interview but expanded in 2021 to train them for written exams such as the NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and INET. Our SSB guidance is provided free of charge, reflecting our commitment to selfless service.

I strongly believe India needs more military schools to instil more discipline in the younger generation. We also run two military schools, one in the city and another in a rural area, to provide quality education and military training. These schools aim to instil discipline, patriotism, and a sense of community in students from diverse backgrounds. Our military school recently celebrated a 100% pass rate for its first batch of 10th-standard students, with all students passing in the first class. Additionally, our organisation has produced professionals in various fields, including bureaucracy, with several students clearing the UPSC exam and one becoming a bureaucrat. This demonstrates our broader impact beyond the defence sector. Prahar’s motto is "Once a Prahari, always a Prahari," reflecting our commitment to lifelong service and nation-building. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the progress and prosperity of our nation by instilling soldierly qualities in every citizen. However, contributing to the defence forces isn't the only way to show patriotism or serve the nation, but it is a significant one. The defence forces are unique because, at the end of the training, members pledge to lay down their lives for the country if necessary. This pledge is unmatched in any other field, making service in the defence forces exceptionally honourable. However, instilling similar values in the youth, even if they don't join the military, can lead to them becoming vigilant and responsible citizens.

There is a dearth of 8000 soldiers in the Indian defence services today. Young people today should join the military in service of the nation. It is crucial to inform our youth about opportunities in the defence forces through seminars, mentorship programs, and leadership initiatives. These programs can guide students toward a noble career in the military and show them how they can aspire to become officers. Increasing the number of military schools and making NCC (National Cadet Corps) compulsory in all schools, except for Sainik and military schools where it's already part of the curriculum, would significantly motivate students to consider the defence forces as a prestigious career path. Balancing academic and military training in private military schools is essential, but the primary goal remains to inspire students toward military service. Highlighting the growth opportunities, the honour, and the diverse warfare scenarios (missile, rocket, nuclear, biological, chemical, psychological, information, and economic warfare) can help change this perception.

A significant misconception among parents is the fear of losing their children in the military. Data shows that road accidents claim more lives than military engagements. Furthermore, wars today are more about intelligence and technology rather than brute force. Modern warfare requires brilliant minds, and a student excelling in academics can contribute significantly to the defence forces. The shift from brute wars to brain wars, as noted by Alvin Toffler, means that the defence forces need intelligent and capable individuals to handle complex warfare technologies and strategies. The perks and salaries in the defence forces are outstanding, but the honour and respect that come with the uniform are unparalleled. Serving in the defence forces commands immense respect in society. People admire and honour those who have served, recognising their contribution to national security. To sum up, motivating the youth requires continuous efforts through mentorship, seminars, and leadership programs, alongside correcting societal misconceptions and highlighting the honour, growth opportunities, and modern nature of military service. Embracing a career in the defence forces is not just a profession; it is a calling to serve and protect our motherland with pride and dedication.