Kushalnagar: Lieutenant Ajjinanda G. Aishwarya Dechamma from Kodagu was the parade adjutant, leading the Army Air Defence contingent during the 76th Army Day Parade held at 11 GRRC Thakur Sheodatt Singh Parade Ground in Lucknow on Jan. 15.

Aishwarya was commissioned into the Army Air Defence Regiment, presently being posted at Jammu. She hails from Madikeri and is the daughter of Ajjinanda Ganesh Aianna, a coffee planter, and Monthi Ganesh. She is the granddaughter of Ajjinanda Aiyanna and Muthavva.

Lt. Aishwarya initially pursued a career as a social media specialist before embarking on her journey to the Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai. She was commissioned in 2022 after 49 weeks of training.

She cleared the SSB interview in her first attempt and secured her place through NCC Special Entry. A BBA graduate and holder of the coveted ‘C’ certificate in NCC, Lt. Aishwarya’s journey included employment at two different firms in Bengaluru as a social media specialist before dedicating herself to the service of the nation.

Reflecting on her motivation to join the Army, Lt. Aishwarya reminisced about her time as an NCC cadet, leading the march past of the NCC contingent on Republic Day in Delhi in 2017. Her passion for serving in the military was ignited during her junior wing NCC cadet days when she attended the Republic Day parade in 2014.

Though she initially aspired to join the Indian Air Force as a pilot during her college days, her dreams evolved, leading her to choose the path of serving in the Indian Army.  In addition to her academic prowess, Lt. Aishwarya is a multifaceted individual, excelling as a national-level field hockey player, proficient speed skater, state-level badminton player, adventure enthusiast, accomplished painter                         and a skilled orator.