Face –to-Face
...with Commandant Swati Sharma
January 06, 2021
Swati Sharma is highly motivated, target driven, enthusiastic and passionate. She’s an alumnus of the well known St. Mary’s Convent School, Ajmer. She has contributed towards serving the Nation, first as an Army Captain and now as a Commandant with the Rajasthan Home Guards. She has recently received the ‘DG Home Guards Commendation Disc’ for the year 2020 for her outstanding services especially during the lockdown.
Elvira: (joyfully) This is such a wonderful experience to be able to interview my classmate from school days. I’m absolutely thrilled! Swati, since school days I remember you as a quiet person. On a lighter note, has this changed?
Swati: (laughs) You’ve no idea how thrilled I am! Elvira, you’re very generous to call me just a quiet person. I would rather perceive myself as an introvert in those days, who had very limited friends including you. Yes, I have evolved a lot over time because of various reasons. To start with, I would like to mention the ‘Art Of Living’ Meditation Course which gave me a thrust to face life challenges. (a tad seriously) Consequently, in my college days I opted for National Cadet Corps which served as a turning point in my life. It motivated me to join the Indian Army which gave me an exposure to a multicultural and multilingual environment. And, here I would like to mention that presently being part of the State Services, I feel fortunate enough to get an opportunity to be re-connected with my relatives, school and college friends. All these factors have definitely helped me evolve as an extrovert and optimist. (smiles)
Elvira: How interesting! Swati, today you are serving the Nation as a Commandant, Home Guards with the Government of Rajasthan and you are a proud Veteran too. So what led you to decide about these noble professions?
Swati: (thoughtfully) The motto of our St. Mary’s Convent School – “LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE” has encouraged all of us to be the light of the world. It has sown the seed in many young minds to serve our Nation and humanity. This notion was further nurtured when I joined National Cadet Corps in Sophia College, Ajmer. I believe it is from this very point my path in life got decided. I worked hard and honed my skills to become an Indian Army officer. After contentedly completing my tenure in the Indian Army I got selected as Deputy Commandant, Rajasthan Home Guards Services by Rajasthan Public Service Commission in the year 2012. Since my childhood days I have been very passionate about wearing a uniform. (with enthusiasm) I am fortunate enough to get the opportunity to safeguard my country at both the External and Internal fronts. Olive Green and Khaki have become a part and parcel of my life now. These professions have kept me in line with my passion and zeal to serve my country and countrymen.
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Elvira: Wow! You’re giving me goose bumps, Swati. You just mentioned that during your graduation days you were keenly involved in NCC activities. How did this exactly help you in your quest for where you stand today?
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Swati: (laughs) Oh my God! I’m glad that you can feel how passionate I’m about my duty towards our nation. I must tell you it’s a heady feeling! (a bit seriously) Well, serving in the NCC has proved to be a crucial decision of my life. Living up to its motto of “Unity and Discipline”, the NCC inculcates comradeship and leadership in the youth who get a right platform to learn about organizing themselves and are trained to take on new challenges. See Elvira, NCC gives you a chance to gain knowledge about various cultures and traditions of our country. It has served as a motivating factor for me to reach my next destination – The Indian Army. I proudly admit that NCC has served as a foundation stone for my present career.
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Elvira: (in awe) I’m terribly proud of you! You’re awesome! Now tell me something about ‘the Swati’ at home! When Swati isn’t on duty what is Swati doing to unwind? What are your cherished past times?
Swati: (laughs) Good question! Elvira, both my kids are my stress busters. When I’m at home they keep me so involved in their activities that it gets difficult to get any leisure time. But yes, I believe in learning new things, enhancing my personal and professional skills. If I talk about sports, I am a 10 m Air Pistol Shooter, I even participate in cycling events and I’ve bagged a few medals in these events. Apart from these activities I love to cook new dishes for the kids, thanks to the numerous Youtube videos (laughs). At the social front I am presently the Vice President of the Resident Welfare Association. All these activities taken together help me to keep my energy channelized and give my best to the task in hand.
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Elvira: Amazing! As we wrap up this interview I have a serious question for you. What advice would you like to share with the youth about serving the nation?
Swati: Ah… yes! (thoughfully) I would just like to share my viewpoint with them. Guys, Girls… be responsible, law-abiding citizens who are aware about the policies of our Nation and are concerned about the future of India. Put in your best efforts and work with complete dedication in whichever field you are working. Be a part of the solution not the problem. Stay connected to your roots, your culture. Keep learning and growing in life and if you are doing this - you are already serving the Nation. Jai Hind!
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Elvira: Oh my God! This interview has definitely given me goose bumps! I’m sure the readers will be infected with your zeal and enthusiasm, Swati. Thank you so much for this inspiring interaction.
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