Meet Shanan Dhaka, the 19-year-old Haryana girl who topped NDA’s first women batch

Shanan Dhaka, hailing from Rohtak in Haryana has topped the first batch of Pune-based National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination among women. She stood 10th in overall rankings in the NDA entrance exam result that was declared on June 14. “Working in Army isn't a job but service. Once during an NDA mock test at school, girls wanted to sit for it but weren't permitted, given it was only for boys. Now when I recall that day, it feels good,” said Shanan Dhaka. “I was an Honorary Naib Subedar in the Army, my father was a Subedar. My daughter grew up in Army surroundings, lived in cantonment areas, and saw how respectfully Army officers are treated. That is how she decided to join the Army,” said Vijay Kumar Dhaka, Shanan's father.