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Video Editors: Sandeep Suman, Deepthi Ramdas
Camera: Shiv Kumar
Being the seniormost woman officer in the Indian Army is no easy feat. Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar is only the third woman to attain this position.
Her voice reverberated with “How’s the Josh?!” in the NCC auditorium, brimming with officers of the armed forces who had gathered to watch National Geographic’s special film – ‘Women of Honour : Destination Army.’
“If every girl dreamt that she wants to join the army and grew up with that dream in her mind, whether she finally lands up or not, half the battle would have been won and the country would be amazing,” she told The Quint, on the sidelines of the screening.
While she has served the army for almost 40 years, Lt Gen Kanitkar’s favorite memory remains the same.
Lt Gen Kanitkar describes herself as a woman with a strong heart, someone who can balance multiple roles and most importantly, a person who makes time for herself.
“But at the same time, there’s also a woman – a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife. That aspect is also there. And third is a person who is a professional but also has time for herself, to keep her fit in mind and body and follow her hobbies,” she added.
She said that there is a general perception that it is difficult for women to manage in the army and there must be “something different.”
Another myth about joining the army, she says, is that everyone assumes you will fight at the border from day one.
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Published: 17 Mar 2021,08:05 PM IST