Chennai: It was a poignant and a proud moment as Nitika Kaul, wife of Pulwama Martyr Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, was inducted into the Indian Army at an impressive Passing Out Parade held at the country’s premier defence training establishment, Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.
Nitika Kaul donned the Army uniform with Lt Gen Y K Joshi, Commander of the Army’s Northern Command, piping the stars on her shoulder during the POP at the OTA.
A video on the event was shared in PRO Defence Ministry’s website. In a tweet, PRO Udhampur Ministry of Defence said “#MajVibhuti ShankarDhoundiyal, made the Supreme Sacrifice at #Pulwama in 2019, was awarded SC(P). Today his wife @Nitikakaul dons #IndianArmy uniform; paying him a befitting tribute.”
“A proud moment for her as Lt Gen Y K Joshi, #ArmyCdrNC himself pips the Stars on her shoulders!,” it said.
One of her friends re-tweeted ‘NitikaKaul is now Lieutenant Nitika Kaul Dhoundiyal. Hard to put into words what a soaring day this is. So proud of my young friend. Her husband Shaurya Chakra Maj Vibhuti made the supreme sacrifice 2019 post-Pulwama’.”Godspeed & salute, Lieutenant!,” she said.
Union Minister Smiti Irani also took to her Twitter handle to congratulate Nitika Kaul and hailed her Nari shakti.
“Lt. @NitikaKaul, youâre an embodiment of dedication, determination and devotion of Indiaâs Nari Shakti,” Irani wrote.
“Major Vibhuti Dhoundiyal would be smiling today with joy and pride seeing Stars on your shoulder. My best wishes to you in all your endeavours,” the Union Minister said.
Major Dhoundiyal laid down his life while fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirâs Pulwama and was awarded Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) for sacrificing his life for the Nation.