There is something undeniably calming about Kamala Sharma-Wing’s presence. It could be the years of training in yoga and meditation, or perhaps the quiet confidence of someone who has spent a career adapting to new challenges. Whatever it is, the Royal Australian Navy has just made room for it.
Sharma-Wing has stepped into a role never before held in the Australian Defence Force—its first full-time Hindu chaplain. It’s a long way from her days as a Maritime Logistics Officer, but she sees it as a natural progression, a new way to serve. Stationed at HMAS Harman, she now provides guidance and pastoral care to Navy personnel, drawing from a deep well of experience.
Her qualifications make for an interesting mix. A trained Pandita, a yoga instructor with over 500 hours of practice, a Master’s degree in Counselling, and certifications in Hindu studies, crisis support, and Clinical Pastoral Education. It’s a resume that suggests a multi-dimensional approach—equal parts faith, philosophy, and psychological support.
The Royal Australian Navy chaplaincy has traditionally been dominated by Christian clergy, but Australia has changed. The military is following suit. Sharma-Wing’s appointment is not just about representation; it’s about meeting the evolving needs of a force that reflects a broader society.
She is clear about one thing—chaplaincy, at its core, is about people. Whether it’s an atheist needing someone to talk to or a sailor seeking spiritual guidance, the role is to provide support without judgment. She sees her job as creating space for reflection, be it through conversation, quiet presence, or even yoga sessions.
Faith traditions in the military have long been defined by routine—Sunday services, structured prayers, formal ceremonies. Sharma-Wing’s approach is less rigid. She speaks of fostering a sense of connection, a universal family that extends beyond religious labels. Her methods include breathing exercises, meditation, and philosophical discussions, alongside the more traditional aspects of chaplaincy.
For those unfamiliar with the armed forces, chaplains might seem like a relic of the past. But in an environment where stress runs high, where deployments separate families for months on end, where grief and trauma are common, chaplains remain a vital part of the support system. They provide a sounding board, a moment of calm amid the demands of service life.
Sharma-Wing is particularly eager to encourage more women to consider a career in the Navy. She understands the hesitation. The military, despite its evolution, can still appear as an overwhelmingly masculine space. But her own journey serves as an example—one that shows there are paths into the service that don’t require stepping into combat boots.
It’s not just the promise of discipline and routine that draws people into the armed forces. There’s also the sense of belonging, the friendships forged in shared experiences, the knowledge that what you do contributes to something bigger. Sharma-Wing speaks of the pride that comes with wearing the uniform, a pride she hopes to instil in others who may never have considered a role in defence.
Her presence in the Navy represents a shift, one that acknowledges faith is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Her work will be about listening as much as leading, guiding without imposing, and introducing practices that, at their core, are about helping people navigate the complexities of life.
The Navy has brought in many specialists over the years—engineers, doctors, linguists, strategists. Sharma-Wing is another kind of expert. Her tools aren’t blueprints, scalpel blades, or war plans. They’re words, breath, silence. In a profession where toughness is often measured in physical endurance, she offers a different kind of strength.
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