Daughters of Punjab Lead the Way: Rural Girls Conquer India’s Toughest Defence Exams
Chandigarh, June 3
In a remarkable display of determination, hard work, and excellence, two lady cadets from the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls, Mohali, have achieved outstanding success in India’s premier defence entry examinations.
Mehakpreet Kaur has secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the Air Force Academy (AFA) merit list, emerging as the top-ranked candidate in the country. Meanwhile, Komalpreet Kaur has earned AIR 18 for admission to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, creating a historic milestone for the institute.
Living up to the institute’s motto, “Shubh Karman Te Kabhu Na Taraun” (Never refrain from righteous deeds), both cadets come from humble backgrounds. Mehakpreet Kaur is the daughter of farmer Amarjit Singh and Rupinder Kaur from Paprali village in Rupnagar district, while Komalpreet Kaur is the daughter of Havildar Gurmeet Singh of the Indian Army and Baljit Kaur from Shahura village in Amritsar district.
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Congratulating the two achievers, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Aman Arora said that their success reflects the aspirations of a new and progressive Punjab. He remarked that Mehakpreet and Komalpreet have not only cleared some of India’s toughest defence examinations but have also broken barriers and inspired countless young girls from rural and small-town backgrounds to dream big.
He highlighted that recognizing such aspirations, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a dedicated NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls at Mai Bhago AFPI in 2023, providing young women with opportunities to pursue careers in the armed forces.
Expressing pride in the cadets’ achievements, Major General Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (Retd.), Director of Mai Bhago AFPI, described Mehakpreet’s AIR 1 ranking as an extraordinary accomplishment, especially considering the limited number of vacancies available for women in the defence services.
He said that both Mehakpreet and Komalpreet have significantly strengthened the state government’s mission of encouraging more daughters of Punjab to join the armed forces and serve the nation with distinction.
The institute extended its best wishes to both cadets for a bright, successful, and glorious future in the service of the country.
