As India celebrates her 79th Independence Day, let us talk about the brigade that holds the fort behind the scenes. Yes, we are talking about the ‘fauji wives.’
They hold the fort when their spouses guard the country. The ‘fauji wives’ are made of an incomparable mettle. Celebrated for their quiet resilience and indomitable spirit, they deserve every applaud not just on Independence Day, but always. (File Photo)
The ‘fauji wives’ are known to be the best partners and mothers, but many have dared to tread a path to follow their passion and build a unique identity. Click on to read about a few such exemplary women, who can be the true role models of our society. (File Photo)
Capt (Dr.) Sunaina Singh’s life reads like a tribute to service—in and out of uniform. A former Indian Army officer from the Intelligence Corps, she now serves as an Assistant Professor at Kamla Nehru College, Delhi University, and continues to dedicate herself to nation-building in her own unique way. A proud Army wife, committed academician, and mentor, her grassroots work includes free guidance to children of martyrs, mental health and parenting sessions for Army families, and initiatives to improve their “happiness quotient.” Her initiative Mission Join Indian Army has guided countless defence aspirants, especially from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, in developing officer-like qualities and a growth mindset. (Image: Capt (Dr.) Sunaina Singh)
Mohini Daljeet Singh started her social service journey by volunteering as a student with Mother Teresa’s Home Prem Niwas, in Lucknow, where she learnt her lessons of compassion and selfless social giving. An Army daughter and Army wife, she has spent more than three decades on “hands-on” social and welfare work to benefit army families in the health, education and personal counselling areas. As founder CEO of Max India Foundation, Mohini has worked for the underprivileged on the health platform benefitting 26 lakh beneficiaries at 704 locations and partnering with 410 NGOs. (Image: Mohini Daljeet Singh)
Pooja Chowdhary is a leading voice in development communications, currently serving as the Communications Head at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in India. She has used the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between policy and people—turning complex technical work into compelling, people-centric narratives that influence change on the ground. A recipient of the prestigious 2021 Chevening Scholarship conferred by the UK Government, Pooja leads multi-stakeholder communication strategies rooted in dignity, equity, and sustainability, while mentoring the next generation of ethical communicators. In 2015, she made history as one of the first Assamese women to scale the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world. (Image: Pooja Chowdhary)
Chandni Bhardwaj, a self-confessed Army brat, now married to the olive green, serves as the Vice President, Senior Regional Head Private Banking Group, at HDFC Bank. Chandni has held several prestigious positions at leading banks of the country, inlcuding Citibank and Kotak Bank previously. A leading banking professional, she was a University Gold Medalist in Economic Honors. From handling wealth for UNHI clients to supporting the fight on crimes against women, she is truly an inspiring trailblazer. (Image: Chandni Bhardwaj)
Harpriya Bains is a mom-turned-comedian, challenging stereotypes with her hilarious take on housewives and societal expectations. Through her comedy, she highlights the absurdity of Indian patriarchy and the pressures faced by women in desi households. Her comedy is inspired by the daily life of mothers and wives. Starting her comedy career at the age of 40, Harpriya’s ‘Carry on Mummy’ solo stand-up show has been a big hit on social media, garnering over 1.5 million views on YouTube alone. A TEDx speaker, Harpriya also has had the opportunity to do gratifying voluntary work for the Army Wives Welfare Association. (Image: Harpriya Bains)
