On International Women’s Day, the Indian Armed Forces celebrated Col Ponung Doming, who is leading the Border Roads Organisation’s highest task force, stationed at an altitude of 15,300 feet in Ladakh. Col Doming is the first woman officer to command the world’s highest Border Task Force, stationed in the northern sector of India, making her a pioneering figure in the Indian Army.
The Ministry of Defence paid tribute to her leadership and resilience, highlighting her role as an inspiration for young women aspiring to serve in the armed forces. In a post on X, the Ministry stated, “Her leadership at such an extreme altitude is a testament to the unwavering strength, resilience, and growing role of women in the Armed Forces.”
Col Doming shared that her team is responsible for maintaining the highest motorable road in Ladakh, Umling La, located at 19,024 feet, and is currently working on constructing a road even higher. The task force faces extreme temperatures, often plummeting to -20 to -25 degrees Celsius, but Col Doming expressed that their morale remains high despite the harsh conditions.
She encouraged women to dream big and stay committed to their goals, saying, “Dream big, be determined, be disciplined, be strong and committed to your goal. Nothing can stop you then.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the contributions of women across various fields, paying tribute to ‘Nari Shakti’ on International Women’s Day. He announced that his social media platforms would be taken over by women from diverse fields to celebrate their achievements.
Col Ponung Doming’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, determination, and growing role of women in the Indian Armed Forces.