As the renowned philosopher Aristotle once said, “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.” This timeless wisdom finds resonance in the extraordinary journey of Preeti Rajak. She is a trailblazing trap shooter who has etched her name in history as the first woman to attain the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army.
Preeti’s story embodies the fusion of excellence, dedication, and breaking barriers. From winning accolades on the shooting range, including a silver medal in the Asian Games, to donning the prestigious uniform of the Indian Army, her narrative is a testament to the power of training, habituation, and the pursuit of excellence in multiple domains.
Let’s delve into the inspiring tale of Subedar Preeti Rajak, where her prowess in trap shooting converges with her groundbreaking achievement in the military.
Nari Shakti
Preeti Rajak’s promotion to Subedar is not only a significant achievement for her but also a proud moment for the Indian Army and women across the country. The Army hailed her rise as a shining example of ‘Nari Shakti,’ emphasizing the strength and capabilities of women in the defense forces.
Who is Subedar Preeti Rajak?
Preeti Rajak is really good at shooting traps, and she got a silver medal in a trap women team event at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
In December 2022, Preeti did something special. She became the first woman who is really good at sports, especially shooting, to join the Indian Army. They gave her a position called Havildar in the Corps of Military Police on December 22 last year.
The Army said that because Preeti did such a great job, they decided to give her a promotion much earlier than usual. Now, she has a new rank called Subedar, and she is the first woman to get this rank.
Preeti Rajak, who is a skilled shooter, is currently undergoing training at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) to get ready for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. She is ranked sixth in the trap women event in India. The Army believes that her remarkable achievements will inspire many young women to join the Indian Army and pursue a career in professional shooting.
The Indian Army expressed confidence that Preeti Rajak’s groundbreaking achievement would motivate generations of young women to step forward and join the armed forces while simultaneously excelling in professional sports. Her dual role as a skilled trap shooter and a Subedar in the military sets a precedent for aspiring individuals seeking to balance both passion and duty.
Who are Subedars?
Subedar is a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank in the Indian Army, equivalent to a Warrant Officer in other militaries. They are the highest-ranking NCOs in the Indian Army and are considered to be highly respected figures.
Subedar or subadar was the second-highest rank of Indian officer in the military forces of British India, ranking below “British Commissioned Officers” and above “Local Non-Commissioned Officers”. Indian officers were promoted to this rank on the basis of both lengths of service and individual merit.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Subedar:
- Leadership: Subedars are responsible for leading and mentoring junior soldiers. They provide guidance and support to their troops and ensure that they are well-trained and disciplined.
- Training: Subedars often play a key role in training new soldiers. They may instruct them on a variety of topics, including military skills, tactics, and procedures.
- Administration: Subedars may also be responsible for carrying out administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and managing supplies.
- Discipline: Subedars are responsible for upholding discipline within their units. They may take disciplinary action against soldiers who break the rules.
- Liaison: Subedars often act as a liaison between officers and enlisted soldiers. They can communicate the needs and concerns of the troops to the officers and vice versa.
Positive Takeaway
Preeti Rajak’s journey from a champion trap shooter to the first woman Subedar in the Indian Army is a tale of inspiration, determination, and breaking gender stereotypes. Her story echoes the possibilities that arise when talent meets opportunity, motivating not only women but anyone aspiring to carve a path of success and excellence in their chosen fields.
