Special Correspondent
Pune: Siddhi Jain, who once secured admission to an NIT, chose to walk away from it and chase her dream of joining the Indian Air Force. Her bold decision has now entered the pages of history. Siddhi has become the first woman cadet in the country to win the prestigious President’s Bronze Medal in the 149th course of the National Defence Academy.
She also bagged the honour of Best All Round Air Cadet, a rare double achievement for any trainee.
The milestone moment unfolded on Sunday during the Passing Out Parade held at Khetrapal Ground. Siddhi stood tall after three years of intense training, discipline and fierce competition alongside her male batchmates. Accepting the medal, she turned emotional and said she had once taken admission at an NIT. However, the moment she saw her name in the NDA merit list, an inner voice told her to choose the academy. She added that standing on the parade dais felt unbelievable.
Siddhi hails from Ujani in Uttar Pradesh and comes from a family with a strong defence background. Generations in her family have served the nation in uniform. Her achievement has brought pride not only to her parents but to her entire village.
After the parade, Siddhi will now proceed to the Air Force Academy in Dundigal for advanced training. She will later take up her official role in the Indian Air Force.
Her mother, Tripti Jain, said Siddhi’s success proves that girls can reach any height when given the right opportunities. She added that Siddhi has become an inspiration for young women across the country.
