SHEROSE

Prajakta Desai from Mumbai, Maharashtra charted a path by turning a dream into reality by imbibing unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs. She was just 8 years old when watching Border movie got a ray of inspiration towards Career in Army. The age where childhood aspirations change frequently, she urged to be Uniform Identity. 

A Decade of Breaking Barriers:

Major Prajakta Desai became the First woman officer of the Indian Army to become an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Observer in 2020. Major Prajakta served in the Indian Army from 2010 to 2021. In her ten years in the Army, Major Desai served in the country’s Northern, Eastern, and Western parts.

Bravery is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

A blend of a soldier’s soul and a Leader’s Mind:

From serving the nation to inspiring the future generation as a speaker, mentor, and corporate leader, her journey is a living example of precision, resilience, and purpose which doesn’t stop till here, She is a trained skydiver, mountaineer, flyer, and hot air balloonist, she led the line and showed how evolving roles got her beyond the battlefield.

After commanding excellence in Armed forces, Major Desai chose the major Shift to corporate Leadership by serving as a Manager at Amazon India and also capped with the roles of Motivational Speaker, Military Leadership Coach, Defence Mentor, and Corporate Trainer. She also runs animal rescue initiatives, showcasing her social responsibility. 

Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you― Bethany Hamilton

Making this quote reality Major Desai delivered workshops at IIMs, IITs, Fortune 500 companies, and leadership platforms worldwide. 

Stars on her shoulder:

• Ahilya Devi Holkar National Award (2022)

• 100 Most Influential Women of 2025 by the Indian National Bar Association

• Valiant Fame Icon – National Award for Excellence (2025)

After a rewarding career, Major Desai says- I feel so happy when I see young girls dream of becoming Army Officers because if I could do it, anyone can do it.

Major Prajakta Desai’s take on importance of Financial Literacy for women:

As Indian Army Veteran, I firmly believe financial literacy is fundamental to a woman’s independence and dignity. Coming from a modest background, I began earning early through tutoring, which taught me the value of financial responsibility and self-reliance. Irrespective of how much one earns, the discipline of saving before spending and investing wisely is essential. Financial security empowers women to make confident decisions and lead a life free from unnecessary dependence. Invest thoughtfully, diversify across assets, and avoid excessive liabilities. Equally important are insurance and emergency reserves. Dream ambitiously, live meaningfully, but ensure your future is protected through prudent saving, disciplined investing, and financial awareness.