In the icy expanse of Ladakh, where winter temperatures can plunge to -25°C, Colonel Ponung Doming commands with quiet strength and unwavering resolve. As the first woman from North East India to attain the rank of Colonel in the Indian Army, her journey from the picturesque town of Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh to leading a Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) is a testament to courage, determination, and discipline.
Her story is more than a personal achievement — it’s a beacon of hope for aspiring women across India seeking to break barriers in male-dominated professions.
Born to Olom Doming and Jimmi Dai Doming in Pasighat’s East Siang district, Ponung was raised in a family that valued education and service. Her academic brilliance shone early, securing the top spot among tribal students in her Class XII examinations at IGJ Government Higher Secondary School. She went on to earn a Civil Engineering degree from Walchand College of Engineering, Maharashtra, graduating in 2005.
Starting her career with Larsen & Toubro in Kolkata, Ponung worked for two years before answering a deeper calling — serving the nation. She cleared the Service Selection Board (SSB) exam in Allahabad and joined the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Commissioned as a Lieutenant in 2008, she embarked on a career defined by rapid progress and landmark achievements.
In just four and a half years, she rose to the rank of Major, becoming Arunachal Pradesh’s first Army Major in 2012. By 2019, she was the first woman from the state to be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. In 2023, she achieved her most historic milestone yet — becoming the first woman Colonel from North East India.
Her service has taken her beyond India’s borders as well. In 2014, she served as a United Nations Military Observer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing her ability to operate in complex international environments while upholding peace and stability.
Inspiration for the Future
Colonel Ponung Doming’s life proves that no dream is too high, no barrier too strong, and no path too difficult when driven by purpose and perseverance. Her journey sends a clear message to the next generation — that with hard work, courage, and resilience, you can not only carve your place in history but also inspire countless others to follow.