Chaplain Kamala Sharma Wing has spent more than 30 years finding new ways to serve and support others in Navy.

She migrated from Nepal to Australia as a teenager, completing school while adapting to a new language and culture.

‘I wasn’t the star pupil. I had to repeat Year 12, scraping by on tenacity rather than brilliance,’ she said.

Chaplain Sharma-Wing joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Writer in 1995. She later commissioned as a Maritime Logistics Officer, serving in ships and bases across Australia for more than 2 decades.

A new path emerged during a leadership program in 2016. Recognising her empathy and cross-cultural understanding, the visiting Director-General Chaplaincy raised the possibility of becoming a Hindu Chaplain. Defence had no Hindu Chaplains at the time.

Chaplain Sharma-Wing went on to complete a Master of Counselling, specialised Hindu studies and multiple pastoral placements. She was ordained as a Hindu Priestess in November 2024. In early 2025, she became the Australian Defence Force’s first full-time Hindu Chaplain.

Based at HMAS Harman, she now provides pastoral care, spiritual guidance and support to people of all beliefs and backgrounds.

‘My job isn’t to preach Hindu faith,’ Chaplain Sharma-Wing said.

‘It’s to help people find strength, meaning and purpose in ways that resonate with them.’

She hopes to see multi faith representation continue to grow across Defence.

Her own journey has also shaped the advice she offers others.

‘Believe in your aspirations, work hard and allow those who recognise your strengths to support your development,” she said.

‘And do the same for others in return.’