SOURCE: AFI
Panchkula’s Lieutenant Inayat Vats scripted a heartwarming chapter in her family’s legacy today as she was commissioned into the Indian Army. The ceremony marked a poignant culmination of her journey, one that began with immense loss but blossomed into a resolute dedication to serve the nation.
Lieutenant Vats’ father, Major Navneet Vats, made the ultimate sacrifice for the country during a counter-insurgency operation. He fell to terrorists’ bullets while clearing a building in Srinagar, leaving behind a gaping void in Inayat’s life, who was then just 2.5 years old. Major Vats’ bravery was posthumously recognized with the Sena Medal.
Today, Lieutenant Vats donned the same uniform that her father once wore with pride, etching her name in the annals of a family with a deep-rooted military tradition. Her maternal grandfather, too, served the nation with distinction, holding the rank of Colonel.
Lieutenant Vats’ path to this moment has been one of unwavering determination. A graduate of Delhi’s prestigious Lady Shri Ram College, she was pursuing her Master’s degree in Political Science at Hindu College when she decided to answer the call of duty. In April 2023, she joined the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, embarking on a rigorous training program to hone her skills and leadership qualities.
The Haryana government had offered Lieutenant Vats a gazetted post under its policy for kin of martyrs. However, her resolve to follow in her father’s footsteps and serve on the frontline remained unwavering. Lieutenant Vats’ story is a testament to the enduring spirit of sacrifice and service that flows through generations of Indian military families. It is a tale that will inspire countless others to take up the mantle of safeguarding the nation’s security.