An Army official from Arunachal Pradesh, Ponung Doming, created history after she became the first woman officer from the state to hold the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. Doming was elevated from the post of a Major to that of a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army on Monday.
Ponung Doming is a resident of Pasighat in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. She was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2008 and then got a degree in civil engineering. After joining in 2008, she was given the position of Major within four-and-a-half years. Army sources said Lieutenant Colonel Doming has also served briefly on India’s International UN Peacekeeping force deployed in Congo.
Significantly, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, took to Twitter to extol the officer for her achievements. “A proud moment for all of us… Major #PonungDoming creates history. She is first woman Army officer from #Arunachal to be elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the #IndianArmy. Hearty congratulations and best wishes!” Mr Khandu tweeted. He also tweeted a picture of Ponung Doming standing proud and tall.
National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval also praised her achievement. He congratulated her on Twitter and called her an ’empowered and daring woman.’ Last month, Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami became the first woman officer of the Indian Air Force to be elevated as the Flight Commander of a flying unit. On August 26, Dhami took charge of a Chetak helicopter unit at the Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
