Page 16 - The Indian EYE 070326

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 03, 2026 | The Indian Eye 16

Effective leadership is measured not by

rank or authority, but by the positive impact

on others: Riddhi Chauhan

OUR BUREAU roles, academic initiatives, physical
fitness programs, community service
New York, NY projects, STEM activities, drill com-
A petitions and mentorship programs.
student at Benjamin N. Car-
dozo High School, who serves
Rooted in the core values of
as Battalion Commanding Of-
honor, courage and commitment,
ficer in the NJROTC, leading nearly NJROTC equips young people with
300 cadets with integrity and disci- skills that extend well beyond the
pline and a mentor to over 200 stu- classroom, helping prepare them to
dents and active in STEM initiatives, become responsible citizens and ef-
Riddhi Chauhan aspires to become fective leaders regardless of the ca-
a Naval Officer at the United States reer paths they pursue.
Naval Academy. Following is a Q &A What motivated you to join the
depicting her inspiring story of learn- NJROTC program and how did that
ing and going up the ladder. decision shape your goals?
Can you tell us about the NJROTC I joined NJROTC with the goal
program and the role it plays in devel- of strengthening my leadership abil-
oping student leaders? ities and finding meaningful ways to
The Navy Junior Reserve Offi- contribute to my school and commu-
cers Training Corps (NJROTC) is nity. From the outset, I was attracted
a leadership development program to the program’s emphasis on team-
supported by the U.S. Navy that aims work, discipline and a shared sense
to cultivate character, citizenship, of purpose.
discipline, teamwork, and leadership What began as an opportunity
among high school students. I lead for personal development soon be-
the program as Battalion Command- came much more. Through my ex-
ing Officer, holding the cadet rank of periences in NJROTC, I discovered
Commander (c/CDR) at Benjamin a platform that not only helped me
N. Cardozo High School. grow as a leader but also allowed me
The battalion comprises nearly to mentor and support others. As I
300 cadets and offers a wide range of progressed through the ranks, I be-
opportunities designed to foster per- came increasingly inspired by the
sonal and professional growth. Stu- positive impact effective leadership
dents can participate in leadership Continued on next page... >>

www.TheIndianEYE.com