Meet 22 year-old Army officer whose father sacrificed life for nation 20 years back, she is now…

Here is a story of 22 year-old who was two-and-a-half years old when her father, Major Navneet Vats, died while battling terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Twenty years after the horrific accident, Inayat Vats was commissioned as Lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Corps in a passing out parade at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.

“All for the supreme sacrifice of her father. Inayat was barely three years, when she lost her father Major Navneet Vats in a counter-insurgency operation. More than two decades later, she gets commissioned into the #IndianArmy and dons the same uniform that her hero dad once did. Welcome, army daughter Lieutenant Inayat Vats,” the army wrote as they shared a picture.

“I was in class 8th when this family came to our neighbourhood in Almora cantt. Inayat used to be in the pram with her parents. Mrs Shivani, her mom, was a very charismatic lady. When I heard of Major Vats’s sacrifice, I was shocked. After so many years, I am so happy to see Inayat in uniform,” a X user shared a comment on her post.

Story of Major Navneet Vats

In 2003, the nation lost a brave soldier, Major Navneet Vats, in a counter-terrorism mission in Kashmir. He was honored with the prestigious Army Medal after his death. His child, Inayat is getting ready to walk on her father’s path. Her enrolment in Chennai’s Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) is scheduled for April 2024. Inayat completed her initial education at the respected Lady Shriram College of Delhi University, and currently, she’s advancing her studies with a Master’s in Political Science at Hindu College. Inspired by her father’s devotion to the motherland, serving in the military has always been Inayat’s ambition.

Inayat, as a child, was brought up on remarkable tales about her father’s courageous exploits during his military service. Her father’s tales, chock full of heroism, unity and his strong sense of duty during his service, left her spellbound and significantly influenced her personal aspirations and dreams.

Not just her father, but the tales of other esteemed military icons and historical figures noted for their fearless leadership and bravery, also served as her guiding stars. From the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to the undaunted Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, each story augmented her belief in the power of tenacity and determination.