The Indian Territorial Army made a special induction on 5th October, 2016. Shining bright among her contemporaries, Shilpy Gargmukh made history by becoming the first ever lady officer to be inducted into the Territorial Army.
The vivacious Shilpy is an engineer by qualification, having pursued her technical degree at BIT (Birsa Institute of Technology), Dhanbad. She works as executive engineer for ONGC, and was employed at their Akhleshwar branch when she became an officer.
Shilpy’s father is an engineer too, while her mother is an advocate. 27 year old Shilpy’s association with India’s defence forces though, isn’t new. Both her brothers have been serving in the Armed Forces since years now; one is a Major in the Indian Army, while the second one is a defence pilot. Shilpy and is now proud to serve the nation as a combat soldier along with them. She had always been fascinated by her brothers’ olive green armour, and can’t begin to start her new journey. Shilpy Gargmukh claims that ONGC helped her achieve her dream. She gives credit for this opportunity wholly to her organization.
The Indian Territorial Army is a part of the Indian Armed Forces or Indian Army. It is a second line of defence for it does not play the same role as the Indian Army. It cannot be considered as a regular profession or occupation. It inducts eligible people who are already involved in mainstream civilian professions. However, it plays an important role in serving the nation nonetheless. It helps in relieving the Indian Army from static duties, in assisting in civil administration, and in providing relief in situations of natural calamities. It helps in restoring order where community life is affected or disrupted, or wherever national security is threatened. The Indian Territorial Army is a 200,000 troop strong force which comprises of various departmental units such as Railway, Indian Oil Corporation, ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation), telecommunication, General Hospital, and other non- departmental units of infantry and ecological battalions with affiliations to infantry regiments.
In 2016, it was made clear to the Delhi High Court that women would now be allowed to join and serve in the Territorial Army. It was also stated that the women officers would be considered for honorary commissions as well. This revolutionary step came in response to a PIL filed in context of recruitment of women in the Territorial Army.
Shilpy Gargmukh was awarded her rank in a grand pipping ceremony in Jeevan Bharti Building, ONGC Delhi. The pipping was done by ONGC CMD, Mr. D K Sarraf and Major General Sanjay Soi. The ceremony was attended by the ONGC directors and senior officers of the Territorial Army.
D C Srivastava (Executive Director, Security- ONGC) stated that ONGC had reported the vacancies for the Territorial Army recruitment to their employees, and it had garnered an astounding response. On Shilpy’s achievement, he remarked:
“ONGCian Mrs. Shilpy Gargmukh succeeding to status of a first lady officer in Territorial Army is a matter of great honor. Achievement of Mrs. Gargmukh will serve as an example to all women employees and will embolden their spirits to join Territorial Army.”
811 Engineer’s Regiment ONGC (TA) opened its gates for lady officers after 27 long years of its regime. The ONGC TA has rendered its services during various national crises such as the Assam agitation and several other earthquakes, riots, and strikes.
In this manner, employees of the Territorial Army serve two responsibilities at the same time. One, they must serve their parent organization. Two, they must serve the nation in times of emergency and crisis.
Lieutenant Shilpy Gargmukh is an inspiration to us all. Not only because she became the first of her kind by being the first lady officer in the TA, but also because she showed us all how one can serve the nation in many different ways. It isn’t necessary that you join the mainline defence forces. If you have the will to do something for your country, you will find a way to do it. This inspiration extends especially to the women of the country who must never doubt their capabilities and must be observant in looking out for opportunities. We hope to see more of the female power in the Territorial Army too now. Here’s wishing the best to the young gun!
