From being Arjun to being Dronacharya
“Do
you have it in you” These 6 words made an instant
impact on me. I always looked upon the Defence Forces as a place to be.
Polished boots, crisp and ironed uniform, glittering stars on shoulders and an
awesome attitude for life and off course your duty to your land and people.
Wow! I was literally dumb struck.
I enrolled into the Army Unit of NCC (National
Cadet Corps) to lead me towards my goal one step at a time. My aim was to reach
the “AntimPag” (The last steps) as it is proudly inscribed on the steps of the
Chetwode building at IMA (Indian Military Academy).
The journey began with NCC which gives a
fraction of how life is in the defence forces. I was a loyal, disciplined and a
jovial cadet who took task and responsibility as duty. I enjoyed NCC camps
where I got an opportunity to be away from the family and be with buddies going
through the regular Army likewise routine and enjoying punishments of push-ups
and front rolls with ease. Finally I graduated from college. J
After graduation I started working in a
BPO,but continued my pursuit for Armed Forces. I cleared the defence forces
exams 7 times with flying colours. J As next
steps I had to attend and clear the Service Selection Board interviews at
various locations like Allahabad, Bhopal and Bangalore and get recommended to
join the Armed Forces after a small medical exam.
For all my interviews I cleared till the
last stage. I would always be in the last lot of 20’s and 30’s who would
eagerly await the results from the board as to who among us are recommended to
join the Armed forces. Can you imagine being there all the time? Lakhs of
students across India give exams, only thousands clear the written and only a
few 20’s and 30’s remain to be recommended. Hush! It is a long and eventful
journey. This was my last stand, the 7th interview, the 7th
time I am in the last lot. The Gods must be crazy. As the Commanding officer
announced the names, I was eagerly waiting for mine to be called out. To my
disappointment, the call never came!!! I
was heartbroken instantly. This was my last attempt. IT’S ALL OVER NOW. My ATIM
PAG dream was broken into a thousand pieces. I was angry, frustrated and didn’t
know how to take this on the chin.
During the years of my preparation and
trying times, my cousin Aayush was continuously observing me, he always asked
me about my NCC activities, the Army life and how I was preparing for the exams,
how I got through the interviews and what happened at the last stages. I always
found myself uncomfortable at some of the questions as they would always dig
out the scar of not making it through.
Knowingly or Unknowingly I had inspired someone. Life moves on and life changes your roles instantly. Aayush too wished to join the Armed Forces. He enlisted and joined the Sea Cadet course (a preliminary course) in Mumbai like me joining NCC. I realised that my role in his life is going to very important. My role had now changed from Arjun who seeked education from the Gurukul to that of the Dronacharya, the one who taught students to be superior. Today my cousin has inspired me to guide him at every stage to join the defence academies and complete a dream which remained unfulfilled.
Knowingly or Unknowingly I had inspired someone. Life moves on and life changes your roles instantly. Aayush too wished to join the Armed Forces. He enlisted and joined the Sea Cadet course (a preliminary course) in Mumbai like me joining NCC. I realised that my role in his life is going to very important. My role had now changed from Arjun who seeked education from the Gurukul to that of the Dronacharya, the one who taught students to be superior. Today my cousin has inspired me to guide him at every stage to join the defence academies and complete a dream which remained unfulfilled.
Lessons
to learn
1) Ability to mold ourselves to new
roles
2) Your actions can inspire others
3) Any experience never goes waste
