On India’s 76th Republic Day, Capt. Dimple Singh Bhati created history by becoming the first woman Army officer to offer a salute to President Droupadi Murmu during the ceremonial parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. This feat is a reflection of the progress towards gender integration within the Indian defence forces.
Capt. Bhati, an officer of the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, exemplified her brilliant skills by saluting at a 12-foot ladder that was mounted on a speeding motorcycle, displaying bravery, accuracy, and perfection. This is done as a part of ‘The Dare Devils’ motorcycle squad and is an epitome of her never-say-die attitude and the extreme training received by the Indian Army officers.
Hailing from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Capt. Bhati has never shown anything but exceptional commitment and determination. She received the Silver Medal at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, standing second among 180 cadets in her batch. Her initial posting as a commissioned officer was in Jammu and Kashmir, where she started her journey of serving the country.
Armed forces service is in the genes of Capt. Dimple Singh Bhati. Her older sister, Capt. Divya Singh Bhati, is also an Indian Army officer, and their father, B.S. Bhati, is a retired banker. Her family boasts a proud tradition of service, as she is the granddaughter of the legendary 1962 Indo-China War hero, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his unmatched courage.
On 7 January 2021, Capt. Dimple Singh Bhati began her training at OTA, Chennai. During the 11 months of rigorous work, she stood out in the group of 180 cadets, out of which 29 were women. Her unwavering dedication, coupled with her strong skill set, has positioned her to shatter historic records in the Indian Army.
Capt. Dimple Singh Bhati’s achievement is an inspiration to countless young women who aspire to serve the nation by joining the armed forces. As India progresses towards greater inclusivity in defense services, her story will serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for future generations of women warriors.
