Lieutenant Garima Yadav’s journey from winning a beauty pageant to serving in the Indian Army is an inspiring tale that breaks stereotypes and showcases the power of determination. Her story is not just about achieving personal success but also about serving her nation with pride.
Early Life and Education
Background
Born and raised in a military family, Garima Yadav’s upbringing instilled in her a sense of discipline and patriotism. She completed her schooling at Army Public School in Shimla, where her academic prowess became evident. Her passion for learning led her to excel in her studies, securing a place at the prestigious St. Stephen’s College in Delhi.
Academic Achievements
At St. Stephen’s College, Garima pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, where she further honed her analytical skills. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for her future endeavors, including her initial aspiration to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Despite her efforts, she faced challenges in clearing the IAS mains examination, a setback that would not deter her spirit.
“I am from army public school Ddagshai (Shimla) and did BA economics from St Stephen’s College New Delhi, I was preparing for civil services but I guess army was my true calling, I got recommended in my 1st attempt. Before that I was working as an MC for events as a part-time job, while preparing for exams, from there I was selected for a pageant called India’s miss charming face’s auditions, I won the pageant in November 2017 and was selected for next pageant at international level which was to b held in Italy, but I chose to join OTA Chennai instead.” – Lt. Garima said while talking to SSBCrack.
The Pageant Journey
Winning ‘India’s Miss Charming Face’
In 2017, Garima participated in the beauty pageant ‘India’s Miss Charming Face’ and emerged victorious. This title opened doors for her, including an invitation to compete at an international level in Italy. However, Garima chose a different path, one that aligned more closely with her long-standing desire to serve her country.
Decision to Join the Army
Her decision to forgo the international beauty pageant in favor of joining the Indian Army was rooted in her commitment to national service. Garima viewed the opportunity to serve in the military as her true calling, a chance to make a meaningful impact beyond the glamour of the pageant world.
The Path to the Indian Army
Cracking the CDS Exam
Garima’s journey into the military began with her preparation for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam. In her first attempt, she secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 2 in CDS 1 2017. This achievement not only demonstrated her intelligence and hard work but also marked her as a promising candidate for the Indian Army.
Training at OTA Chennai
After successfully clearing the CDS exam, Garima was admitted to the Officer Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. The rigorous training at OTA was a test of her physical and mental endurance. Initially, she faced challenges adapting to the demanding environment, but her resilience shone through.
Overcoming Challenges
Garima openly shared her struggles with the physical demands of training, stating, “I did not have very good physical standards but somehow I managed for the first few months. I didn’t give up and improved drastically.” Her commitment to self-improvement and active participation in all activities ultimately led her to thrive in the academy.
Becoming an Officer
Commissioning into the Indian Army
On March 9, 2019, Garima Yadav was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army, marking the culmination of her hard work and dedication. The commissioning parade was a proud moment not just for her but also for her family and supporters who had witnessed her journey.
A Role Model for Many
Garima’s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many young women aspiring to join the armed forces. She challenges the traditional notions of femininity associated with beauty pageants and demonstrates that women can excel in fields typically dominated by men.
Life as a Lieutenant
Responsibilities and Duties
As a newly commissioned officer, Lieutenant Garima Yadav is tasked with various responsibilities that include training recruits, participating in military operations, and contributing to the overall mission of the Indian Army. Her role is crucial in maintaining the operational readiness of her unit.
Balancing Personal Life and Career
Garima is also a single mother, and she emphasizes the importance of her daughter in her life. “I am a single mother, and she has been there for me in all my ups and downs, motivating me,” she shared. Her ability to balance her career and personal responsibilities reflects her strength and determination.
Inspirational Quotes
Garima Yadav’s journey is filled with motivational insights. Here are some of her notable quotes that resonate with many:
“You just should be willing to accept your weaknesses and work on them. One should always endeavor to get better every day.”
“It’s important to make your family proud. My mother is my true inspiration.”
The Impact of Her Journey
Breaking Stereotypes
Lieutenant Garima Yadav’s life story is a testament to breaking stereotypes. She exemplifies how women can pursue diverse paths, whether in beauty or the military. Her journey encourages others to challenge societal norms and follow their passions.
Encouraging Future Generations
Garima’s achievements inspire young girls to dream big and pursue careers in fields that may seem unattainable. She is a living example that with hard work, determination, and the right mindset, one can achieve their goals, regardless of the challenges faced.
Lieutenant Garima Yadav’s transition from a beauty queen to an esteemed officer in the Indian Army showcases the power of choice and resilience. Her story is not just about personal success; it is about serving the nation and inspiring others to follow their dreams. As she continues her journey in the armed forces, Garima remains a role model for aspiring candidates, proving that one can indeed wear many hats and excel in each role.
1 thought on “Meet Lieutenant Garima Yadav: From Beauty Queen to Army Officer”
I have a friend named Sakshi Sharma who got recommended for the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard and finally she for merit into the Indian Coast Guard.