From a young age, I had a clear goal; to be a doctor. To get there I had to overcome countless barriers of economic hardships and gender discrimination. 

With determination I made it to the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College in 1963. 

At 21, I topped the course and was commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army.

My first posting was in a dacoit infested town of Fatehgarh in the middle of nowhere. I had to face the arduous task of challenging gender stereotypes while trying to and succeeding in saving many lives.

I came very close to quitting a few times but was motivated by a senior who told me to be the change I wanted to see. So I decided to break the glass ceiling so that those who came after me could touch the sky.

this Ted Talk I did tells about my very beginnings and how what some might call my tenacity pushed me forward to the life I lead today. 

Yes I have earned many great honors over the years and been instrumental in pioneering wonderful things. (You can read about them here)

I attribute my success to the unstinting support of my family. It enabled me to perform exceptionally well in my career while bringing up her 2 children who became doctors in the armed forces too. 

I try to be an inspiration to all the young girls aspiring to achieve beyond the ordinary. 

My advice to all youngsters is to keep striving towards their goals. You are the architect of your own life, there is no barrier you can’t break if you try hard enough.