Whenever there is a talk of courage, struggle and unshakable will, the name of Lieutenant Mukta Singh will always come up . Because today the shining stars on her shoulders are not just the identity of a rank or post, but a symbol of the passion that has made her a winner by fighting every difficulty with bravely and courage. This path was not easy for her. Despite repeated failures, serious injuries and challenges during training, Mukta never gave up. She proved herself that today’s Nari Shakti bravely fights every struggle of life and wins.
Today she has created history, as she became the first female cadet of Officers Training Academy (OTA) Gaya to win a bronze medal and stood third in the overall merit in the passing out course.
Initial struggle: Merit out and the spirit of not giving up
Mukta Singh’s initial journey was difficult. Even after being out of merit twice, she did not give up. When most people would have given up in despair, she gathered courage and tried again. And in the third attempt, she not only succeeded but also achieved All India Rank-1 (AIR-1). After that, she reached OTA Chennai and joined SSC Technical (Women-32) course. But the real test of her life started from here.
First injury: Serious knee injury and relegation
The total training of OTA is 49 weeks. That training is full of tough physical and mental challenges. During this training, Mukta suffered a serious knee injury, due to which she had to be relegated from the course. It was a very painful moment for her to lose her dream of moving forward with her colleagues.
Meanwhile, the technical entry was shifted to OTA, Gaya. She was the only female cadet who was relegated. But she did not lose courage and led the new female cadets and reached the Academy Under Officer (AUO).
Second setback: Another injury and relegation
Just when Mukta was gathering courage and moving ahead, she again suffered a serious injury during training. This injury led to her relegation once again. This setback was more painful than ever for her as she had to start training with new cadets again.
But Mukta did not give up and once again, she built up her morale and started her first term for the third time and resolved that she would never look back.
She stood up again: Determination and hard work
This time Mukta presented herself with a completely new attitude with more determination than before, due to which she cleared all the physical tests in the very first attempt. She performed excellently not only physically but also academically and topped the academics and made her place in the top 15 merit list. Her hard work and consistency gave her confidence again.
The Road to Leadership: From JUO to BUO
During her second term training, Mukta’s leadership skills were at an all-time high. She was first appointed as a Junior Under Officer (JUO) and then as a Battalion Under Officer (BUO). These designations were testimony to her courage and leadership, which said she had excelled even in the face of adversity. Peers and juniors alike looked up to her as an inspiration. Her calmness, determination and guiding spirit made her even more special.
Historic Achievement: First Female Bronze Medalist of OTA Gaya
After training for 23 months in three different courses, it was a proud moment for Mukta Singh to step onto the Passing Out Parade Ground at OTA Gaya, while her peers had already joined the services. This time, her hard work was rewarded with the ultimate honour, she became the first female Bronze Medalist of OTA Gaya, securing third place in the overall merit. The stars on her shoulders are not just designations, but a symbol of the unshakable determination that gave her the strength to fight every difficulty.
Lessons from her journey
Lieutenant Mukta Singh’s story is not just hers, but an inspiration for all those young men and women who have the courage to reach their dreams despite repeated difficulties.
Failure is not the end
Despite failing in merit twice, Mukta achieved success in the third attempt. Failure is a part of the path to success.
Strength comes only from struggle
Repeated injuries and relegations became obstacles in her path, but she made them her strength. She never let herself become weak.
Leadership means responsibility
Despite being the only relegated female cadet, Mukta took over the leadership and won the trust of everyone.
Importance of patience and time
While the rest of the batchmates passed out in 11 months, Mukta struggled for 23 months. But this extra time made her stronger.
True victory is victory over oneself
Medals and merit are important, but the true victory is the self-confidence that Mukta built within herself.
