In a remarkable story of resilience and determination, Karishma Thakur from Kothi Gaihri village in Himachal Pradesh has turned her lifelong dream of joining the Indian Army into reality. Despite numerous hardships, including the loss of her father, Lalit Sharma, in 2017, Karishma’s resolve remained unwavering. Following her father’s passing, her mother, Drumati Devi, became the sole provider for their family of five children, managing to support their education by starting a dairy business. Drumati’s dedication saw her selling cow milk and taking on labor jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) to make ends meet.
The youngest of four sisters, Karishma was inspired to join the Army from an early age. Enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts program at Vallabh Government College in Mandi, she quickly became involved in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Her commitment to NCC led her to become the first student from her college to participate in the prestigious NCC national camp, further strengthening her desire for a military career.
This December, Karishma will take a significant step towards her goal as she begins training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Her journey has not been easy; for years, she commuted 20 kilometers daily from Rewalsar to Mandi, balancing her studies with preparations for police recruitment exams. To dedicate more time to her ambitions, she moved into a hostel in Mandi last year, where she could focus on her academics and physical training.
When Drumati Devi heard the news of her daughter’s selection, she was initially in disbelief. But as the reality sank in, she expressed immense pride, tearfully reflecting on the hardships she endured to support her children. Karishma’s story is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiring example of the resilience and strength women show in overcoming life’s challenges. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how steadfast dedication and hard work can make even the most challenging dreams come true.