Chennai cadet breaks into army male bastion

Another glass ceiling will be shattered in the Indian army on September 18 when Chennai’s A Divya will become the first woman cadet to be awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ at the passing-out parade of the officers training academy in the Tamil Nadu capital.

She will receive the honour from chief of army staff General VK Singh, who will review the parade.
Divya is among the 70 lady and 157 gentleman cadets who will be inducted into the army after the ceremony.

The ‘Sword of Honour’ is the most coveted recognition that a cadet aspires to possess. It is given for best overall performance in military training, academics, sports and extra co-curricular activities.

A lady cadet winning the honour is a first in the history of the Indian army, officers training academy sources said.

Daughter of a painting contractor, Divya is a multi-faceted person with interests in sports, music and dance. A student of Good Shepherd convent, she is an accomplished percussionist and basketball player. Divya is a black belt (2nd dan) in taekwondo and has won a bronze medal at the national level. She also participates in athletics events, including discus throw.
Divya has undergone formal training in Bharatanatyam and is learning Carnatic music.

But while doing all this, she’s not neglected studies. I fact, she’s been a topper throughout her academic career so far.

A BCom graduate from Stella Maris College, she represented Tamil Nadu at the 2008 Republic Day Parade. She also has the distinction of being bestowed the All India Best Cadet and All India Best Parade Commander awards for leading the parade.