17/02/2024
From tending to cattle to trekking halfway from college to save money, Colonel Sapna Rana has made a remarkable journey. Hailing from a small village in Himachal Pradesh, her life began far from the regimented world of the military.
Recognising their daughter's dreams for higher education, her father, a schoolteacher, and her mother moved to Solan, making a new home in the suburban haven of Saprun.
"From those humble beginnings to attaining the rank of Commanding Officer (CO) in the Army – we couldn't be prouder," Colonel Sapna Rana remarked to the Tribune India.
“I got admission at the Himachal Pradesh University for an MBA degree in Shimla. I started preparing for the Civil Services but midway, I appeared for the Combined Defence Services exam and was selected for training at the Officers.”
Commissioned as a Lieutenant in 2004, Colonel Rana never looked back. Today, she commands an Army Service Corps battalion in the Northeast, leading with distinction. Her dedication and excellence have been recognised with three prestigious COAS & General Officer commanding commendation cards.
Colonel Rana's story goes beyond ranks and accolades, her journey inspires us all to reach for the stars, regardless of our starting point.
[Indian Army, Colonel Sapna Rana, Commanding Officer, Army Service Corps, Himachal Pradesh, MBA, Civil Services, Women Empowerment]
