Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal has become the first woman officer in a five-generation military family. She was commissioned into the Indian Army Ordnance Corps on Saturday after passing out from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
Lt Dhadwal stood out among her peers, receiving the prestigious President’s Gold Medal for securing the top position in the Order of Merit of her course.
She belongs to Janauri village in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, a region known for its strong military tradition. With her commissioning, Lt Dhadwal is not only carrying forward her family’s proud legacy but also becoming the first woman from the family to wear the Olive Green uniform.
The Dhadwal family’s military service began over 125 years ago with her great-great-grandfather, Subedar Harnam Singh, who served in the 74 Punjabis from 1 January 1896 to 16 July 1924. Her great-grandfather, Major L.S. Dhadwal, served with 3 JAT. The third generation included Colonel Daljit Singh Dhadwal (7 JAK RIF) and Brigadier Jagat Jamwal (3 KUMAON).
Her father, Major General K.S. Dhadwal, SM, VSM, and her brother, Captain Dhananjay Dhadwal, are currently serving with 20 SIKH. With Lt Parul now in uniform, the family has three serving officers from two generations at the same time, which is a rare and proud achievement.
In a post on X, the Indian Army congratulated Lt Dhadwal and praised her family’s long-standing dedication to the nation. The Army described her journey as part of “a saga of a family dedicated to service to the Motherland."
“Lt Parul Dhadwal is a saga of a family dedicated to service to the Motherland. A proud descendant of a long lineage of brave soldiers, she represents the fifth-generation who now dons the Olive Green in continuation of a deeply rooted family legacy," the Army wrote.
The Army also shared a detailed record of the family’s service history, honouring each generation’s contribution, adding that the presence of three serving officers in the family is a rare distinction and serves as an inspiration to others.
“With Lt Parul joining their ranks, the family now has three serving officers in uniform simultaneously; a rare distinction and an inspiration to many. The family truly exemplifies the spirit of the Indian Army while carrying forward the glorious heritage for Five Generations," the post concluded.
