Lt Swati Mahadik, Lt Nidhi Dubey, a shining example of women power: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the newly commissioned Lieutenants Swati Mahadik and Nidhi Dubey, wives of Late Colonel Santosh Mahadik and Late Naik Mukesh Dubey for showing grit, determination and patriotism despite difficulties.

Addressing his 36th edition of monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat,' Prime Minister Modi said, "I congratulate Swati Mahadik and Nidhi Dubey, wives of soldiers who died on duty for their determination to serve country and for being an inspiration to all."

He also described them as a shining example of patriotism and women power.

A graduate from the University of Pune, Swati, who cleared the Service Selection Board (SSB) examination in 2016 and was undergoing further training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, was commissioned as Army Officer on September 9.

"When you lose someone who is close to you it hurts. His (Colonel Mahadik) first love was his uniform and his unit, so I just had to wear this. It just happened and I did not even work harder for this. Even my family was with me, so I know I will be able to do it. After wearing this uniform, I want to know what work has to be done and I will learn it," Lieutenant Swati told ANI.

Colonel Mahadik, the commanding officer of 41 Rashtriya Rifles, was killed in a counter-infiltration operation in the Manigah forest of Kupwara district.

On the other hand, Nidhi was pregnant when her husband died of a cardiac arrest. Her husband was a Naik in the Mahar regiment.

She began training in 2014, seeing an advertisement inviting military widows to join the Army.

She appeared for the entrance exam 5 times, finally succeeding in the last attempt.