For the first time in 65 years, a woman officer leads Sainik School Lucknow
For the first time since its establishment, Sainik School Lucknow has a woman officer as Principal, marking a historic moment in the school's 65-year journey and signalling a new phase in its leadership.
For the first time in its 65-year history, Sainik School Lucknow has a woman at its helm. Colonel Seema Mishra has taken charge as the principal of the school, marking a quiet but significant moment in the institution’s long association with military tradition and leadership. The appointment was formally announced in December last year, following an order issued by the Ministry of Defence on October 30.
Colonel Mishra replaces Colonel Rajesh Raghav, who had assumed charge as principal in 2021, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The appointment has been made for a tenure of two years.
Soon after taking charge, Colonel Mishra addressed members of the school’s alumni and staff. She spoke about preserving the legacy of Sainik School Lucknow while adapting it to present-day needs.
FROM RASHTRIYA MILITARY SCHOOL TO IMA: A RECORD OF FIRSTS
Colonel Mishra brings with her over two decades of experience in the Army Education Corps. She was commissioned in 2003 and has since served in a range of instructional and administrative roles.
She earlier became the first woman officer to be appointed administrative officer at Rashtriya Military School, Belagavi. She has also served as vice principal of Sainik School Kapurthala and as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.
Her professional record includes commendation cards from both the Chief of Army Staff and the Vice Chief of Army Staff, recognising her work in military education and training. Colleagues describe her as disciplined, firm, and deeply invested in student development.
During her maiden remarks at Sainik School Lucknow, Colonel Mishra underlined her aim of improving academic standards and increasing the number of cadets qualifying for the NDA.
Colonel Mishra’s personal journey has also been shaped by sacrifice. Her husband, an Army officer serving on a United Nations mission in Afghanistan, lost his life in 2010.
Her appointment followed a selection process initiated after Colonel Raghav was issued a suo motu movement order.
A selection committee considered several names before approving Colonel Mishra’s appointment. At the time, she was posted with a unit of her corps in Ambala.
As Sainik School Lucknow enters a new chapter, Colonel Mishra’s appointment stands as both a first and a signal of change—one rooted in continuity, discipline, and the quiet confidence of experience.
For the first time in its 65-year history, Sainik School Lucknow has a woman at its helm. Colonel Seema Mishra has taken charge as the principal of the school, marking a quiet but significant moment in the institution’s long association with military tradition and leadership. The appointment was formally announced in December last year, following an order issued by the Ministry of Defence on October 30.
Colonel Mishra replaces Colonel Rajesh Raghav, who had assumed charge as principal in 2021, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The appointment has been made for a tenure of two years.
Soon after taking charge, Colonel Mishra addressed members of the school’s alumni and staff. She spoke about preserving the legacy of Sainik School Lucknow while adapting it to present-day needs.
FROM RASHTRIYA MILITARY SCHOOL TO IMA: A RECORD OF FIRSTS
Colonel Mishra brings with her over two decades of experience in the Army Education Corps. She was commissioned in 2003 and has since served in a range of instructional and administrative roles.
She earlier became the first woman officer to be appointed administrative officer at Rashtriya Military School, Belagavi. She has also served as vice principal of Sainik School Kapurthala and as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.
Her professional record includes commendation cards from both the Chief of Army Staff and the Vice Chief of Army Staff, recognising her work in military education and training. Colleagues describe her as disciplined, firm, and deeply invested in student development.
During her maiden remarks at Sainik School Lucknow, Colonel Mishra underlined her aim of improving academic standards and increasing the number of cadets qualifying for the NDA.
Colonel Mishra’s personal journey has also been shaped by sacrifice. Her husband, an Army officer serving on a United Nations mission in Afghanistan, lost his life in 2010.
Her appointment followed a selection process initiated after Colonel Raghav was issued a suo motu movement order.
A selection committee considered several names before approving Colonel Mishra’s appointment. At the time, she was posted with a unit of her corps in Ambala.
As Sainik School Lucknow enters a new chapter, Colonel Mishra’s appointment stands as both a first and a signal of change—one rooted in continuity, discipline, and the quiet confidence of experience.