Dhadwal & Sons/Daughters Since 1896: Meet Parul Dhadwal, First Woman Officer From Her 5-Generation Army Family

We have all heard of sons taking over their family business or following in the footsteps of their father in the same professions. But seldom it occurs that a fifth-generation family member has scripted some sort of history. In a rare show of grit and dedication towards the nation, a woman army officer has become the first from his family to join the Indian Army.

Lieutenant Parul Dhadwal etched her name in history on Saturday (September 6, 2025), as she became the first woman officer from her illustrious five-generation military family to be commissioned into the Indian Army. Passing out from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, Lt Dhadwal was commissioned into the prestigious Army Ordnance Corps.

Her exceptional performance during training earned her the coveted President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the Order of Merit, a testament to her commitment, discipline, and excellence.

Lt Parul Dhadwal: Who is this fifth-generation army officer?

Hailing from Janauri village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, Lt Dhadwal carries forward a rare legacy of military service, embodying both the region’s rich martial traditions and her family’s unwavering dedication to the nation. The spotlight shone brightest on her as she broke gender barriers while upholding a proud legacy.

Lt Parul Dhadwal stood tall, securing the President’s Gold Medal and the top rank in the order of merit, underlining her academic brilliance, grit, and leadership.

How Unique is the Dhadwal Family’s Military Legacy?

Hailing from Janauri village in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Lt Dhadwal belongs to a rare lineage where five generations have served the nation:

Great-great-grandfather: Subedar Harnam Singh (74 Punjabis, 1896–1924)

Great-grandfather: Major L.S. Dhadwal (3 JAT)

Grandfathers: Colonel Daljit Singh Dhadwal (7 JAK RIF) and Brigadier Jagat Jamwal (3 KUMAON)

Present generation: Major General K.S. Dhadwal (father) and Captain Dhananjay Dhadwal (brother, 20 SIKH)

With three serving officers in one family and now its first woman officer, the Dhadwal family’s story embodies duty, sacrifice, and honour across eras.

The parade concluded with the solemn Pipping Ceremony, where cadets received their ranks and pledged allegiance to the Constitution of India. As the young officers marched forward, the words of OTA’s motto “Serve with Honour” resonated, echoing their commitment to lead with integrity and courage.