Flying Eagle with Tiger Claws

By Lt Col Ankita Srivastava (Retd) 

When people look at my journey, they often see the medals, the titles, or the transitions — from olive greens to beauty queens — but behind it all is a simple truth: I was just a girl who refused to stop trying.

I started as an average student — uncertain, unfocused, even failing once in school. But life has a way of waking you up when you stop believing in yourself. For me, that wake-up call came with the dream of wearing the uniform. It wasn’t about proving a point; it was about finding purpose.

Joining the Indian Army changed everything. Suddenly, discipline wasn’t just about routines — it was about resilience. I became the first lady cadet to hold the post of Cadet Editor at the Officers Training Academy. Then came the proud moment of my commissioning as a Second Lieutenant. Later, I became the first lady officer to serve in Counter-Insurgency Operations. The path wasn’t easy — it rarely is when you’re breaking barriers — but each step reaffirmed that courage has many forms.

When the Army announced that women officers wouldn’t be allowed beyond 14 years of service, I felt the ground shift. What now? For a while, I felt caged — until I decided to rewrite the story. From battle drills to beauty ramps, I stepped onto a stage that demanded a different kind of strength. I became the first Army officer to win the “Tanishq Big Memsaheb” title, followed by Gladrags Mrs. India, where I won the “Most Vivacious Woman” award. It wasn’t vanity — it was victory over self-doubt.

Since then, I’ve worn many hats — author, poet, speaker, and banker. From publishing bestsellers like Olive Green to Beauty Queen to serving as the first lady Assistant General Manager of Security at SBI, I’ve realized that identity is not something you inherit; it’s something you build, layer by layer, with courage.

Reflection
When I look back, I see not a linear journey but a spiral — every twist and turn led me closer to authenticity. Whether in uniform or on stage, the mission remains the same: to inspire, to empower, and to serve with heart.

ABCEL Perspective
Ankita’s story celebrates transformation in its truest form. Her journey from soldier to storyteller reminds us that resilience is not rigidity — it is fluidity, the ability to evolve while holding onto one’s essence. Veterans like her show that service doesn’t end with retirement; it simply changes its uniform.

Disclaimer:
Edited for clarity and storytelling with contributor permission. ABCEL has not verified this story for accuracy.
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