From Being Arjuna to being Dronarchya

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 7^th interview, the 7^th 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.

Lessons to learn

1) Ability to mold ourselves to new roles

2) Your actions can inspire others

3) Any experience never goes waste