Belagavi: Inchal, a little-known village in Belagavi district has a remarkable record. Every street in this village has a soldier serving India. The village has contributed highest number of soldiers to the Indian Army. About 600 jawans from Inchal village are currently serving in the defence and it also has over 200 ex-servicemen.
But that is not it’s only claim to fame. The village, located 37-kms from the district headquarters, is not only known for sending its men and women to the army, but also for producing nation-building teachers. About 1,000 teachers from the village are working in both government and private schools. According to the villagers, every family here has either a teacher or a soldier.
The village’s association with the Indian Army dates back to 1977 when Rudrappa Bagewadi joined the army. Rudrappa, after clearing PUC, initially made attempts to secure a government job. After failing it, he decided to join the army and started preparing for the same. Many in the village recall that he was seen running and doing various physical exercises while preparing for the job. Finally he was selected in 1977. His grit became exemplary for the many young men and women in the village to emulate.
According to the village elders, since then at least one person in each family made up their mind to serve the country. Interestingly, from Bagewadi’s family, 20 persons have served in the army. The Bagewadis have contributed the highest number of soldiers in the district.
Mahantesh Bagewadi, a retired soldier and brother of Rudrappa said he was inspired by the latter. “Whenever Rudrappa came home from the duty in far-flung places, he used narrate the tales of national security and stories of martyrs. This drove many youngsters — not just in the family, but in the village — to serve the nation,” he said.
Speaking to TOI, Suresh Bagewadi, another retired army personnel said ex-servicemen in the village are guiding the youths to prepare for selection process. “This is helping the village in a big way to send many of our children to the army. Our only aim is to give selfless service to the nation and pass on the same goal to next generations,” he added.