A woman from the city will be part of the Navy’s first-ever all-woman marching contingent at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Monday.

When Sub-Lieutenant Hema S. (23) marches up the Rajpath and salutes the most powerful leaders, her parents G. Sudhakar Babu, an autorickshaw driver, and Komala J., a typist with the Karnataka Milk Federation, will stay glued to the television and take part in their daughter’s moment of glory.

“This is such a rare distinction and we couldn’t be prouder. As both my wife and I are severely diabetic, we can’t make it to Delhi. But we won’t miss a moment of it,” says Mr. Babu, a resident of Marenahalli.

Sub-Lieutenant Hema has treated a rough terrain to achieve success. While her father ferried passengers to fund his daughter’s education and her mother toiled hard at work and at home, Hema also took up part-time jobs while pursuing her studies.

“Hema got a government quota seat to pursue electrical engineering course. But there wasn’t enough money to fund her education. Without complaining she took up odd jobs till the last semester to reduce burden on us,” says Mr. Babu.

In 2014, when her course was nearing completion, she had two paths to choose from: a cushy, high-paying job at a software company or short-service commission of the Navy. “She didn’t hesitate to join the Navy. She had always wanted to serve the country. In fact she worked as a volunteer for an NGO during her college days, and even aired her desire to become a politician,” says her proud father.

After training in Kerala, Ms. Hema was posted to Gujarat for a four-week training. However, within four days she was called to New Delhi for training for the Republic Day parade.

“They start training at dawn, and I’m sure it must be very cold there. But she hasn’t complained even once. The Navy must have toughened her,” adds Mr. Babu.

Hema S. to be part of the Navy’s first-ever all-woman marching contingent at the Republic Day parade

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Mohit. M. Rao / Bengaluru – January 26th, 2015