Barmer, Sept. 24 -- Sarita Lilar has achieved the distinction of becoming the first woman from Barmer district to be commissioned as a Lieutenant (associate NCC officer) in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Lilar completed a rigorous 75-day course at the Officer Training Academy in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh to achieve the rank. "My aim now is to encourage more girls from Barmer to join NCC. It instills discipline, patriotism, and opens career opportunities for them," she said. Sarita, who works as an assistant professor at Barmer Girls' College, was given charge of the NCC wing when it opened in 2020. Though she faced setbacks in her earlier selection attempts, she finally cleared the interview in September 2024 and began her training in July this year. She said her training was similar to Army preparation, where she learned weapon handling, field and battle craft, CPR, and participated in social activities. "Whatever I have learned, I will now pass on to my cadets," she added. Sarita credited her success to her family's unwavering support. "My father always encouraged my education, and after marriage, my in-laws and husband stood by me," she said. Recalling the emotional moment before leaving for training, she said, "My eight-year-old daughter hugged me and wished me luck. That gave me the strength to complete my journey." According to Sarita, becoming an NCC officer was her childhood dream. She said, "When I was in school, some Army officers visited and their uniform inspired me to shoulder the stars."...