Wing Commander Puja Thakur

I switched on TV today to watch Obama’s reception at Rashtrapati  Bhavan. But my eyes got glued to the lady in uniform-Wing Commander Puja Thakur! The grace in her walk, the calm on her face, the pride on her shoulders, the precision in her voice  and the confidence with which she carried herself in that navy-blue uniform-have you ever seen a more sexier model? I haven't. Sorry for Mr. Obama, but standing right behind him ,she is the one who stole the show today. I am not  interested in knowing the outcome of US president's visit or the theme of R-Day,  but this woman made me smile today-I was glad  and  filled with utmost respect to watch her  lead the guard of honor for the most powerful man and reminisce my childhood dream where I wished to be somebody like her.

I was some 7-8 years old when DD National used to telecast a navy based serial -'Aarohan'.  Pallavi Joshi was the main lead. The story revolved around how a young stubborn girl turns into a dignified, determined and disciplined woman navy officer. That was the time when I didn't even know that Indian Armed  Forces  had three wings (Yes I was  an  ignorant kid and Google uncle wasn't around)- I only knew that those people in uniform are brave hearts  and "wo desh ko  bachate hain". I used to eagerly wait for Sundays to watch Nikita(Pallavi Joshi)- it was fascinating to see how she underwent those difficult training sessions with injuries on knees and elbows,  how she almost gave up but didn't , how she sang the national anthem, how she was passionate about to serve her country, how she fought her fears, her parents, her physical stamina and also the dramatic in-love phase with a senior officer. The strict discipline and rules that the cadet had to follow were very intriguing for me and seeing a girl follow it was all the more inspiring at that time. Her neatly washed and ironed white shirt with knee length skirt, white navy cap with black border, the firmness and smartness in her posture with her left hand neatly raised till the forehead for a salute.... I was totally fidaa  on her personality and wanted  to become  SHE. I wanted to be a Nikita someday. I wanted to be in army. I didn't tell anyone. But I knew I would be happy being her.  I remember I used to act like her in front of the mirror. I do remember.

During school days, my PT instructor used to ask me to give Stand-At-Ease/Attention commands to the entire class.  That used to be a very enthralling moment for me-shouting out loud and clear-CLASS--SAAVDHAAN----VISHRAM-----SAAVDHAN-----VISHRAM. Taking part in Republic or Independence Day parades with all those rules for movement of hands, legs and shoulders was both fun and fulfilling -LEFT RIGHT LEFT---LEFT RIGHT LEFT. But the rat race and hunger for marks ate away the childhood fantasy. The drama was a small series and ended quite soon. DD used to do a repeat telecast and I remember I watched it every single time. But then one fine day it stopped telecasting, I grew up, board classes weren't too far and somewhere in between sneaked in the devil-IIT-JEE. Bas wahin THE-END ho gaya!!

When I saw  Puja Thakur today, I had  a sudden flashback of all these memories and  I realized that I have already traveled a long distance from what-could-have- been to what-could-never-be. My dream just got expired. I know I could have made it but maybe I wasn't passionate enough; may be it was just a dream and not an ambition. I just hope that the girls and women who aspire to be  in  army/navy and have still not crossed the age bar got inspired today. I wish we have more Puja Thakur's in the future to lead not just on R-Day but Every-Day, Every-Where. 

For me, matching earrings with your dress is an ordinary thing. Beauty lies in matching your attitude with the pride you earn.  Proud of you Puja Thakur. I am sure today you must have awakened many dreams.

Thank You! I am all smiles for You, for me :-)
The head is definitely held high!!!

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