Sanjeev Kumar does not regret having come a long way from the IIT (Indian School of Mines-ISM) in Dhanbad where he was a student of engineering to become an army officer after he completed the passing out parade at Indian Military Academy in Dehradun on Saturday.
“I joined National Defence Academy after leaving IIT to pursue my dream of being an army officer. My dream was powered by my uncle who is in the army. My father who is in the railway was not much enthusiastic though over my decision to embark on a new road that involves courting risks on the borders and elsewhere while keeping vigilance over the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” a beaming Sanjeev said just after he became a member of the Indian Army, post PoP.
Prabhat Rai, native of Darjeeling in West Bengal, who also participated in the PoP, said that the training at IMA was very tough. “However, it has helped us develop an invincible bond with those who have taken the same training here. I would not dither even for a moment to risk my life to save my friends if they land in dangers. This is what I have acquired here, the beauty of the rigorous training,” he said while sitting with his parents and sister who have come from Darjeeling to see Prabhat flowering into an army officer through POP.
Vishal Thakur, native of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, said that his father, a Nayak Subedar, was the inspiration behind his becoming an Army officer. “I was an assistant engineer before I joined the defence service. What I have learnt here is that the army does not need scholars, but those who are physically agile and are endowed with leadership qualities coupled with a capacity to endure hardships. My attitude to life has undergone a transformation over the years I am here. I am of course happy today over my decision to leave the beaten tracks and to opt for a life that is riddled with challenges,” he said.
Another cadet Rakesh Dahiya hailing from Sonipat in Haryana said that his father Virendra Dahiya who was a subedar deputed at Chakrata had provided him with the inspiration to go ahead while passing the test to become a member of the Indian Army. “I am happy that I have crossed the threshold of the historic Chetwood today to become an army officer,” he said. His father who was sitting with his son said, eyes glistening in unshed tears of joy, “I am proud of my son who has braved the challenges to become a part of the Indian Army. My life is fulfilled.”