New Delhi [India]: Col Ponung Doming has made history by becoming the first woman officer to command the world’s highest Border Task Force of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), stationed at an altitude of 15,300 feet in Ladakh. Her remarkable journey stands as a symbol of Nari Shakti (women’s power) and has set new standards, inspiring countless women to join the Indian Armed Forces.
Trailblazing Leadership at Extreme Altitudes
In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence highlighted Col Doming’s achievement:
“Meet Col Ponung Doming, the first woman officer to command the world’s highest Border Task Force, stationed above 15,000 feet in the Northern sector. A true trailblazer in the Indian Army, her leadership at such an extreme altitude is a testament to the unwavering strength, resilience, and growing role of women in the #ArmedForces.”
Her leadership role involves overseeing the maintenance of the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La, located at 19,024 feet. Col Doming revealed that her team is now working on constructing a road even higher than Umling La.
Challenges at -25°C and Unyielding Morale
Operating at such altitudes, where temperatures drop to -20 to -25 degrees Celsius, poses extreme challenges. Despite this, Col Doming emphasized her team’s high morale and determination:
“We work in the condition and altitude where temperature plummets up to -20 to -25 degrees Celsius. Our morale is always high.”
She added that joining the Indian Army was a natural choice, reflecting her passion for discipline, unity, and fitness.
“I always wanted to be an officer and serve the nation. Army was best for me. Army means discipline, unity, and fitness. I feel for my country, and there is no better way to express it aloud,” she said.
Empowering Women to Dream Big
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Col Doming shared an empowering message for young women across India:
“Dream big, be determined, be disciplined, be strong and committed to your goal. Nothing can stop you then,” she encouraged.
Her story is a testament to how women officers are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the Indian Armed Forces, breaking barriers and setting examples for future generations.
PM Modi’s Tribute to Nari Shakti
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Nari Shakti on International Women’s Day, announcing that his social media platforms would be taken over by inspiring women from diverse fields to showcase their achievements.
“We bow to our Nari Shakti on #WomensDay! Our Government has always worked for empowering women, reflecting in our schemes and programmes,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Summary
- Trailblazer: First woman to command the world’s highest Border Task Force
- Location: 15,300 feet in Ladakh
- Key Project: Maintains the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La (19,024 feet)
- Challenges: Temperatures down to -25°C
- Message to Women: “Dream big, be determined, be disciplined.”
- Nari Shakti Tribute: PM Modi dedicated his social media platforms to inspiring women