Ch Enoni, a young woman from Ralunamei village in Manipur, realised her dream of donning the Olive Green after being commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army.
From Ralunamei Village to Olive Green
Enoni passed out from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, during the Passing Out Parade (POP) held on Saturday, marking a proud moment for her family and her conflict-hit home state.
NCC Experience That Sparked the Dream
Her journey had begun when the National Cadet Corps (NCC) opened its doors to girls while she was in Class 8. She joined the NCC in school and later moved to Delhi to be part of the senior wing, which inspired her to pursue a career in the Army.
A Parade Marking 11 Months of Rigorous Training
Saturday’s parade on the historic Parmeshwaran Drill Square marked the culmination of 11 months of tough training. A total of 161 gentleman cadets and 36 women cadets from India, along with cadets from friendly foreign nations, were commissioned.
Army Chief’s Message on Gender and Service
Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, who reviewed the parade, praised the cadets’ commitment and remarked, “Gender had no boundaries when it came to serving the nation. The profession of soldiering was not just a career but a dedication that went far beyond the uniform.”
A Beacon of Hope for Conflict-Hit Manipur
Enoni’s success came at a time when Manipur had been reeling under ethnic conflict since May, which claimed over 180 lives and displaced thousands. Her achievement stood as a message of resilience and hope, inspiring youth across the Northeast to pursue a career in the Armed Forces.
