Martyr's wife, mother of two, dons Army uniform

Swati, wife of Col Santosh Mahadik, who lost his life fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir in 2015, has been commissioned as Army Officer.

Being commissioned in one of the finest Armed forces in the world is a matter of pride for every cadet. But the passing out parade at the Chennai's Officers Training Academy (OTA) on Saturday has an inspiring tale to tell.

Swati, wife of Col Santosh Mahadik, who lost his life fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir in 2015, has been commissioned as Army Officer. She was one of the cadets who passed out from The Officers Training Academy.

Jubilant Lieutenant Swati Mahadik said: "His (Col Mahadik) first love was his uniform and his unit, so I just had to wear this."

Swati graduated from Savitribhai Phule Pune University and a special educator specialising in autism, Swati worked in various schools across the country. Colonel Mahadik's death not just changed her life but also her professional goals. Mahadik couple have a daughter and a son.

Colonel Santosh Mahadik attained martyrdom while leading his troops in an fierce encounter with a group of three terrorists in Manigah Forest Area of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir in 2015.

The 38-year-old officer of the elite 21 Para-Special Forces unit, Col Mahadik led many "successful operations" against militants and their hideouts in Jammu and Kashmir and in the northeast for over a decade.

Col Mahadik was honoured with Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous) during the Defence Investiture Ceremony in 2016.

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