Indian-American Teen Riddhi Chauhan leads 300-cadet Navy JROTC battalion, earns spot at Naval Academy prep school

Highlights:

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Indian-American Riddhi Chauhan, a senior at Benjamin N Cardozo High School in Queens, New York, serves as the Battalion Commanding Officer of the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) unit, the highest student leadership position in the battalion.

She leads nearly 300 cadets, overseeing battalion operations, drill practice, training, mentoring and cadet welfare.

Riddhi joined the US Navy-sponsored NJROTC program to build confidence and strengthen her leadership skills. Over the years, she took on a series of leadership roles, including Academic Commander, STEM Commander, Platoon Leader and Inspection Commander, before becoming Battalion Commanding Officer.

As Academic Commander, she helped her team qualify for the second round of the Leadership and Academic Bowl for two consecutive years and played a key role in helping the unit secure first place in a national academic competition.

As STEM Commander, she led the construction of the battalion’s first SeaPerch underwater robot, giving cadets experience in engineering, robotics and problem-solving.

She has also mentored more than 200 cadets, helping younger students develop leadership, discipline and teamwork.

Four days a week, she arrives at school before 7 am to conduct drill practice before classes begin.

She also completed Sail Training in Newport, Rhode Island, where cadets receive practical exposure to seamanship and naval leadership.

Riddhi said leadership is not about authority but about setting an example, supporting teammates, serving others and remaining calm under pressure.

She said the NJROTC program taught her to stay consistent and step outside her comfort zone when required.

She has secured admission to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, an important pathway to the United States Naval Academy.

Her goal is to earn a commission as an officer in the US Navy. Riddhi is the daughter of Ruchika and Dilip Chauhan, whose family traces its roots to Jaipur, Rajasthan, before settling in New York.

Her sister, Kahini Gupta Chauhan, is pursuing a career in medicine.

She also credits the teachings of Mahant Swami Maharaj and her involvement in youth programs conducted by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for shaping her leadership values and commitment to service.