SRINAGAR: Swati Mahadik, the widow of Col Santosh Mahadik, who was killed in an encounter in Kupwara in 2015, is joining the army, media reported. The lady, at 38, and a mother of two has undergone a grueling training of 11 months and will now join the Army Ordinance Corps.
Swati is mother of two, a 12 year old daughter and seven year old son. She availed the age concession for widows of military personnel, who die in the line of duty and cleared an exam to join the Officers Trainaing Academy at Chennai. She joined a non-technical course for women cadets in the academy. While competing against much younger cadets, the mother of two excelled in both physical as well as academic subjects. Her performance proved that she was highly motivated and full of determination, the Indian Express reported.
Col Santosh Mahadik suffered fatal injuries in a fierce gun battle on November 17, 2015 at Manigah Kupwara. In a critical condition, he was was airlifted to Durgmulla military hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Mahadik had been a student of Sainik School since 1987. Resident of Godoil village in Satara district, he was adopted by his aunt. His father was a village tailor and his brother a milkman. A footballer, horse-rider and a boxer, Mhadik was an officer of the elite 21 Para-Special Forces unit.
