11 July, 2026 – Chandigarh : Meet 17-year-old Riddhi Chauhan, the Indian-origin student from New York who became Battalion Commanding Officer of her school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and is set to join the Naval Academy Preparatory School.
Seventeen-year-old Indian-origin student Riddhi Chauhan has emerged as an inspiring young leader after becoming the Battalion Commanding Officer of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, New York.
As the highest-ranking student in the programme, Chauhan leads nearly 300 cadets, overseeing battalion operations, training and student welfare while balancing her academic commitments.
Four days a week, she arrives at school before 7 am to conduct drill practice before classes begin. The demanding routine, she says, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
What is the NJROTC programme?
The Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) is a US Navy-supported leadership programme offered in American high schools. It aims to develop leadership, discipline, character and teamwork among students.
Chauhan joined the programme to strengthen her leadership abilities and contribute to her school community. Over time, the experience inspired her to pursue a career as a Naval Officer.
Leadership journey
Before becoming Battalion Commanding Officer, Chauhan held several leadership roles, including:
Academic Commander
STEM Commander
Platoon Leader
Inspection Commander
As Academic Commander, she helped her school’s team qualify for the second round of the Leadership and Academic Bowl in two consecutive years and secure first place in a national academic examination.
During her tenure as STEM Commander, she led fellow cadets in designing and building the unit’s first SeaPerch underwater robot from scratch.
She has also mentored more than 200 cadets, helping guide and train the majority of her battalion.
Inspired by faith and service
Chauhan credits her leadership philosophy to the teachings of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan organisation, as well as her participation in the group’s youth development programmes.
Reflecting on her journey, she says leadership is defined not by authority but by the positive impact one has on others. She also emphasises the importance of remaining consistent under pressure and embracing challenges, including participating in Sail Training in Newport, Rhode Island.
What’s next for Riddhi Chauhan?
Chauhan is preparing to join the Naval Academy Preparatory School, which serves as a pathway to the United States Naval Academy, where she hopes to train as a future US Naval Officer.
Family roots in Rajasthan
Riddhi Chauhan is the daughter of Ruchika and Dilip Chauhan, whose family traces its roots to Jaipur, Rajasthan, before settling in New York. She also has a sister, Kahini Gupta Chauhan, who works in the medical profession.
Her family’s emphasis on education, leadership and public service has played an important role in shaping her achievements.
The Tribune