It was November 2015 when Colonel Santosh Mahadik lost his life fighting terrorists in Kupwara. His uniform was hung unused in his house for nine months. But the same uniform was an inspiration and motivation for his wife to follow her late husband’s footsteps by joining the Indian Army.
Swati Mahadik, 37 made it to the list of those selected by the Services Selection Board, clearing the final hurdle in her induction into the Army.
“There was no emotion, no happiness or sadness. Just numbness. It seemed routine, even though I had worked so hard for it in the last few months. I guess because there was no one to celebrate the news with,” she said.
Swati will be joining the Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai for an 11-month course, after which she will join the army as a lieutenant.
“It was not that I needed more security. Santosh had provided all that. I and the children would have been well cared for. But I needed something to live for, which would align with my husband’s goals,” said Swati.
“The only concession the Army gives for widows of martyrs is age concession and that’s all I got too. After that, all candidates are on a par, be it the written exam or the interview or the fitness tests,” she added.
“Santosh used to say that satisfaction is important in life. The word he used was ‘trupti’. I guess that’s what I am feeling now. I had a great husband, I have two beautiful children, and will now wear the uniform my husband wore — I have nothing more to ask of life,” she further added.
