A Journey of Dedication: From NHCE to the Indian Army

The Alumni Association and the Department of Applied Sciences organized an inspiring alumni talk by Major Swathi Shantha Kumar on 17 March 2026. She shared her journey from NHCE to becoming an officer in the Indian Army. The session highlighted her recent recognition with the UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for promoting gender equality in peacekeeping. Major Swathi spoke about the importance of discipline, perseverance, and dedication in achieving success. She described her courageous decision to leave a stable job at IBM to pursue a meaningful career in the Army. She also discussed the physical and mental challenges she faced during training and how determination helped her overcome them. Through real-life stories, she emphasized the values of courage, teamwork, and resilience. Major Swathi encouraged students to develop a positive attitude and contribute responsibly to society. An interactive Q&A session allowed students to seek guidance and gain practical insights. Overall, the talk motivated students to follow their passion and work with purpose in their chosen careers.