Overcoming Grief and Breaking Barriers to Join the Indian Army
New Delhi/Chennai.
Usha Rani, a mother to twin boys aged three, was inducted into the Indian Army at a ceremony held at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) on Saturday. Her commissioning comes four years after the heartbreaking loss of her husband in a train accident. She was among 39 women and 258 cadets who joined various divisions of the Army.
Lieutenant Usha Rani’s life took a heart-wrenching turn on December 25, 2020, when her husband, Captain Jagtar Singh, tragically lost his life in a train accident. Left as a widow and mother of twin children, Usha faced immense grief. Instead of giving up, she decided to turn her sorrow into strength.
Determined to honor her husband’s legacy, Usha pursued a Bachelor of Education and began working as a teacher, mentoring young students.
However, she also dreamed of serving in the Indian Army, like her husband. Despite the challenges of raising two children alone, Usha prepared for the tough Services Selection Board (SSB) exams and was selected for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.
She joined OTA on her wedding anniversary, a day filled with mixed emotions. At OTA, Usha’s dedication shone through, and she became the Battalion Cadet Adjutant, a role awarded to top-performing cadets. Her story of resilience and strength is an inspiration to all women, proving that no matter the challenges, it’s possible to overcome obstacles, break barriers, and achieve one’s dreams.
