In a proud and historic moment for the fauji heartland of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Captain Supriya Choudhary and Lieutenant Varun Singh Poonia have etched their names in the annals of the Territorial Army by becoming the first couple from the region—and among the rare few in the country—to serve together in India’s citizen army.
Their extraordinary journey symbolizes commitment, resilience, and the seamless blending of professional excellence with patriotic duty. Officers in the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) by profession and soldiers by choice, the duo represents the finest spirit of national service—safeguarding India’s energy security while contributing directly to national defence.
Born and raised in Jhunjhunu, where the spirit of uniformed service runs deep, Captain Supriya Choudhary carved her path through academic brilliance and unwavering determination.
After completing her post-graduation in Chemistry, she secured an outstanding All-India Rank in the CSIR-JRF-NET examination. Her academic excellence led her to the prestigious National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, where she began pursuing her Ph.D., refining her research acumen and intellectual foundation.
Soon after, she joined ONGC Mumbai as an Executive Officer. Yet her ambitions extended beyond corporate accomplishment. Driven by an innate sense of duty, she applied for the Territorial Army and made history in July 2017 by becoming the second Indian woman—and the first from Rajasthan—to be commissioned as a Territorial Army Officer.
Her commissioning marked more than personal success; it signified progress for women within the Territorial Army framework. Significant milestones followed, including meeting the President of India and the Chief of Army Staff during Territorial Army Day 2018, and commanding ONGC platoons as Parade Commander on Republic Day.
Despite not coming from a traditional military background, Captain Supriya embraced the demanding training regimen with grit and resolve. Guided by her motto, “Never Give Up,” she emerged tougher, disciplined, and mentally stronger. She strongly believes the Army transforms individuals into leaders and that gender plays no role in determining resilience or capability.
Her journey reflects courage, excellence, and the determination to live beyond convention.
Like his wife, Lieutenant Varun Singh Poonia also hails from Jhunjhunu—a region renowned for its contribution to India’s armed forces.
A gold medalist in his post-graduation in Chemistry, he secured an All-India Rank of 26 in the CSIR-JRF examination and earned a call for the prestigious Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Fellowship. His academic journey took him to Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, setting him firmly on the path of becoming a distinguished chemist.
He later joined ONGC as a chemical expert and subsequently served as Deputy Industrial Advisor in the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India—contributing significantly to the nation’s industrial development.
Yet beneath professional success lay a childhood aspiration: to serve the nation in uniform.
Inspired by Captain Supriya’s dedication—and the rekindling of his own dream—Lt. Varun applied for the Territorial Army. Reporting for Basic Military Training in August 2023, he stepped into one of the most physically and mentally demanding chapters of his life. The transition from laboratory research to soldierly discipline required resilience and fortitude. With clarity of purpose and deep patriotism, he embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Love, Separation, and a Shared Mission
Their journey was not without sacrifice. Training schedules often led to periods of separation, demanding emotional strength alongside physical endurance. Letters and brief calls became their anchor, sustaining not only their bond but also their shared commitment to service.
The day they officially became the first couple to serve together in the Territorial Army marked a proud milestone—not only for their families, but for the people of Jhunjhunu and countless young aspirants across India.
Their partnership—both personal and professional—stands as a testament to unity of purpose and unwavering resolve.
Roots of Service and Strong Values
Their accomplishments are deeply rooted in family values and humble beginnings.
Lt. Varun’s father, Sh. Suresh Kumar Poonia, served as a Police Officer in Rajasthan Police, while his mother, Smt. Sumitra Poonia, nurtured the family as a homemaker.
Similarly, Captain Supriya’s father, Sh. Moongi Lal Rahar, served as a Librarian, and her mother, Smt. Indira Rahar, as a government school teacher—instilling discipline, education, and integrity.
These middle-class families laid the foundation that shaped two civilians into officers of the Indian Army.
A Dual Responsibility: Energy Security and National Defence
As ONGC officers and Territorial Army personnel, Captain Supriya Choudhary and Lieutenant Varun Singh Poonia embody a rare dual responsibility—protecting India’s strategic energy infrastructure while standing ready to serve in olive greens.
Their story transcends personal milestones. It is a narrative of patriotism, partnership, and perseverance—encouraging young Indians to explore service beyond conventional career boundaries.
From laboratories and boardrooms to parade grounds and military training areas, they continue to inspire a generation to dream bigger, aim higher, and serve the nation with unwavering commitment.
In the proud soldiering land of Jhunjhunu, their journey adds a new and inspiring chapter—one written not just in ranks and medals, but in shared dreams and national pride.
