On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of Lt. (Dr.) Biva Samadder, a woman who has shattered gender norms and set an unparalleled example in leadership and service. Commissioned in 2018 as an officer in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), she has made history as the first lady officer to achieve the prestigious Defence Secretary Commendation Card 2024, a first for any NCC officer from West Bengal.
Educator, Leader, Mentor, Wife, and Mother
Lt. (Dr.) Samadder, an Associate NCC Officer (ANO) of 2 Bengal Bn NCC, has been recognised for her exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment, and inspiring mentorship. Her accolades include the DGNCC Commendation, Governor’s Commendation, and she is also a two-time recipient of the Governor’s Medal. A professor of Sociology at Surendranath College, she seamlessly balances her multiple roles as an educator, leader, mentor, wife, and mother.
Throughout her journey, Lt. (Dr.) Samadder has led cadets with sincerity and determination, actively engaging them in various NCC activities, awareness programs, and youth empowerment initiatives. She firmly believes that the NCC plays a crucial role in shaping young minds and preparing them for careers in the armed forces. “Today, I see many young students from my college aspiring to join the military. The NCC provides them with basic knowledge about military life, and I feel immense pride when my cadets get inducted into the armed forces,” she shared.
Academic Excellence
As an M.A. Gold Medalist and Ph.D. holder, Lt. (Dr.) Samadder’s academic excellence complements her leadership prowess. However, her path to success was not without challenges. “The road to this achievement was not smooth in a male-dominated society. Yet, one of the most professional armed forces in the world has never discriminated based on gender, and I feel proud to be an officer of the NCC,” she said.
