NEW YORK: Riddhi Chauhan, a 17-year-old Indian-origin student at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in New York, has been appointed as the Battalion Commanding Officer of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) unit. Holding the highest student rank in the program, Chauhan is now responsible for leading a contingent of 300 cadets who follow her commands.
The NJROTC is a leadership program supported by the US Navy and conducted in high schools across the United States. Its primary objective is to foster character development, discipline, and teamwork among students.
Chauhan did not reach this top position overnight. She steadily rose through the ranks, previously serving as an academic officer, STEM commander, platoon leader, and inspection commander before being appointed as the commanding officer. For the past two years, she has guided her school to victories in the program, training 300 cadets who have received accolades for both drilling and service.
To manage her responsibilities, Chauhan arrives at school before 7:00 AM four days a week to lead drill practice. While official drills take place once a week, she remains enthusiastic about parade days, describing the leadership role as the best experience of her life.
According to media reports, Chauhan initially joined the program to improve her leadership skills and find a meaningful way to contribute to her school. This experience eventually shaped her long-term ambition to become a naval officer. She is currently preparing to join the Naval Academy Preparatory School, which serves as a crucial stepping stone toward entering the US Naval Academy.
Deeply spiritual, Chauhan credits her values and positive outlook to Mahant Swami Maharaj of BAPS Swaminarayan. She states that the spiritual leader’s life journey offers immense inspiration and valuable lessons.
Chauhan’s family traces its roots to Jaipur, Rajasthan. She is the daughter of Dilip and Ruchika Chauhan, and her sister, Kahini Gupta Chauhan, is a doctor.
