Hailing from the small village of Chand Ka Pura in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district, Himani Tomar’s journey has become a beacon of patriotic pride. In May 2025 she was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army – a role that fulfilled her family’s proud military legacy. The eldest daughter of Retired Subedar Madhau Singh Tomar and younger sister of Lance Naik Vikas Tomar, Himani’s achievement was deeply emotional. As one report noted, her father watched her “don the uniform” as a mirrored image of his own legacy. In front of family and villagers alike, Himani took on the officer’s stars – an honor her family, already “steeped in the values of service and patriotism,” cheered with tears of joy.
Family Legacy
Growing up in a military household infused Himani’s childhood with discipline and patriotism. Her father served as a Subedar in the Army, and her elder brother Vikas was already a Lance Naik. Stories of valour and duty were part of everyday life. This environment inspired her early: as IndiaHerald reported, Himani’s roots in a “family already steeped in service and patriotism” provided the framework for her dreams. School lessons and village gatherings often featured the tricolor and Army anecdotes, instilling in her the belief that she, too, could serve the nation. Her parents and relatives encouraged her resolve, nurturing the same courage and commitment they had lived by.
Education and the Road to AFMC Pune
Himani’s formal education laid the foundation for her future military career. She did her primary schooling at Shanti Niketan School in Ambah and completed high school at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Jaura. Even before applying to the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, she was preparing rigorously – reportedly studying in Kota and Gwalior for the competitive entrance exams. Her hard work paid off when she secured admission to AFMC’s prestigious nursing program. There she balanced demanding academics and military training. Her willpower “took her to the prestigious AFMC in Pune, where she finished her nursing graduation,” as one account noted. A bullet-point recap of her milestones underscores her path:
- Schooling: Completed primary and secondary studies at Shanti Niketan (Ambah) and JNV Jaura.
- AFMC Pune: Gained admission to the Armed Forces Medical College (Pune) nursing program.
- Commissioning: Graduated and was commissioned as a Lieutenant (Military Nursing Service) on May 24, 2025.
The Selection Process
Entry into AFMC’s Officer-training program was fiercely competitive. Himani cleared the required exams and interviews to join the 55th batch of nursing cadets. Her selection followed years of preparation – balancing studies with military drills. By this stage, Himani had developed strong academic skills and physical endurance. Her induction into AFMC meant a four-year commitment: she would earn a B.Sc. (Nursing) while also learning leadership and military discipline. Throughout, she remained focused on her goal of serving in the Army medical corps. Local reports remark that this selection was the “final step” toward her dream, coming after her rigorous preparation.
AFMC Training
Once at AFMC Pune, Himani faced intense academic and military training. Each day began with physical drills before classes in anatomy, biology and nursing. She learned battlefield first-aid, ward management, and leadership in equal measure. According to reports, her “rigorous training, both academic and physical, came to fruition as she marched proudly at (her) Passing Out Parade”. The bonds of camaraderie grew strong among the cadets during this phase. The photo above captures this esprit de corps: peers in uniform sharing laughter and pride as they train together. In training and in exercises, Himani often took on leadership roles – organizing study groups and leading morning PT sessions. By the end of her course, she had earned top marks in nursing studies and received accolades for her leadership and dedication from her instructors.
Commissioning Day
The culmination of Himani’s journey came on a bright May morning at AFMC’s parade ground. On May 24, 2025, the 55th batch of nursing cadets stood assembled at the Capt. Devashish Sharma Kirti Chakra Parade Ground in Pune. The Reviewing Officer was Lieutenant General Pankaj P. Rao, Director and Commandant of AFMC. Brigadier Vandana Agnihotri and other senior officers took salutes as Himani marched with her classmates. Her family – father, mother and brother among them – watched with “eyes glistening with delight”. In the ceremony’s highlight, Himani’s Lieutenant’s bars and eagle insignia were ceremonially affixed to her uniform by college commanders. The very rank her father once wore was now on her shoulders. In a moving tribute, Madhau Singh Tomar stood by as his daughter’s new rank was pinned. According to witnesses, tears of pride rolled down their faces as Lt. Tomar took her oath of service – officially becoming a commissioned officer of the Indian Army.
Local Pride and National Applause
The Tomar family’s pride spread beyond their village. Local news celebrated Himani’s achievement as a landmark success story. Coverage noted that her accomplishment “made not only her family proud but also the entire state of Madhya Pradesh and the Chambal region” (which includes Morena). Neighbours and villagers rejoiced: banners appeared in Ambah honouring “Himani’s heroics,” and schoolchildren waved the national flag in salute. Villagers told reporters that seeing Himani stand at attention in uniform moved many to tears; one said it showed younger girls that rural children could reach any goal. As a local headline proclaimed, her new title as lieutenant “raised Madhya Pradesh’s honour” and inspired the community. In private, Himani’s parents spoke of indescribable pride – her mother said she felt Himani’s success was a gift to every girl in their village.
Vision for the Future
Now a Lieutenant in the Army’s Medical Corps, Himani Tomar is already looking ahead. She has expressed desire to serve in Army hospitals and field units, providing care to soldiers and civilians alike. More than a personal achievement, she views her commission as a message to young women. “No dream is too big and no goal too distant when you have the courage to chase it,” has become a slogan of her journey. Himani actively mentors other girls from her district – sharing study tips and speaking at schools about her experience. She often says that her success should encourage every daughter in rural India. As one report noted, her journey “sends a message to each girl from rural India that no dream is too large”. By breaking barriers, she hopes to inspire a new generation: “We have stepped into history so that daughters will believe they too can wear the uniform,” the report observed. Himani’s own mantra is now to push herself further – she plans to pursue specialization courses in military medicine and hopes to lead medical missions under the Tricolour.
Conclusion
Lt. Himani Tomar’s story is one of legacy and inspiration – a soldier born of soldiers. In her uniform she carries on the dreams and hard work of her father and brother, and she now wears the very Stars of the Officer’s rank her family saluted for years. From watching the stars being worn to wearing them herself, Himani Tomar has shown that courage and dedication can make any aspiration a reality. Her journey leaves a stirring legacy for her village and for all of India’s young daughters: with heart and effort, one can not only follow in family footsteps, but also blaze a new trail of service and pride.
