In the wake of the India Pakistan war, our soldiers on the border are not just fighting a battle, but protecting our honour. Many of them were called back from their leaves, and they made their way to the base by travelling in buses and trains without reservation. With an uncertain situation and fear in our hearts and minds, we could only sleep peacefully because our jawans are there at the borders, protecting us.
It was back in 1999, when India fought a war against Pakistan in the Kargil district of Ladakh. The war that took place from May 1999 to July 1999 saw many valiant soldiers fighting and being martyred. Almost after two months, India successfully regained control of the territory that was intruded by Pakistani forces. Even to this day, we celebrate the day as Kargil Vijay Diwas and recall all our men and women in the uniform who fought for the nation.
Amid the officers posted in the Kargil war, was a female officer named Yashika Hatwal Tyagi. She not only fought during the Kargil War but was pregnant with her second child. Let us read on to know more about the woman soldier, who is one of the biggest inspirations for young girls.
Yashika Hatwal Tyagi lost her Army officer father at the age of 7
Yashika Hatwal Tyagi’s father was an officer in the Indian Army and fought in the 1962, 65 and 71 wars before passing away as a serving Colonel in 1979. She was just 7, when her father’s body was brought by the Army in their truck. That day, she decided to wear the uniform.
Yashika Hatwal Tyagi cleared her SSB and joined the Indian Army
After her father’s death, Yashika and her siblings were raised by her mother single-handedly. Her mother was a school teacher and was the only source of support. Since women were not allowed in the Army, Yashika decided to join the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) after her graduation. But as luck would have it, in 1993, the Army announced that ladies could join the forces, and she applied.
Yashika cleared the Services Selection Board exam and got into the Officers Training Academy in 1994. It was a dream come true for her as she had always wanted to wear a uniform.
Yashika Hatwal Tyagi was the first female Army officer to be posted in the high-altitude
Yashika graduated as a contingent commander and also received a silver medal for her merit. Yashika’s first posting was in the North East in the logistics wing. She married a fellow officer and became a mother in 1996. For her second posting, Yashika chose Leh, becoming the first woman officer to be posted in a high-altitude area. In 1999, when her posting was about to end, the Kargil War broke out.
Yashika Hatwal Tyagi was pregnant with her second child when she fought in the Kargil War
Despite the high altitude and difficult geographical conditions, Yashika kept her elder son, Kanhav, with her during her posting. When her posting in Leh was about to end in 1999, the Kargil War broke out, and Yashika was pregnant with her second child, Dhruv and was in her second trimester. She not only fought the war while carrying her second child but also kept her elder son with her. Speaking about her experience, Yashika told a digital media:
“Little did we know that war would break out in May 1999. Because of the nature of the emergency, I had to keep my son with me through the war. His presence gave me confidence and made me stronger.”
Yashika left the Indian Army as a Captain and is currently a motivational speaker, storyteller and mindset coach. She has been actively giving Josh Talks and Ted Talks and even worked with Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao.
Yashika Hatwal Tyagi is an inspiration to young women, who dared to dream and make their nation proud.
Also Read: Kargil Girl, Gunjan Saxena’s Inspirational Life: First Pilot Of IAF Who Evacuated Injured Soldiers