Decades of hard work pays as Mandi watchman’s son becomes Lieutenant in Army, native village breaks into celebrations
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The Newz Radar
MANDI: Baldev Singh, employed as a watchman in the Sports and Youth Services Department in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, has every reason to celebrate as his elder son, Gagnesh, has been commissioned into the Armoured Corps of the Indian Army as a Lieutenant.
The passing-out parade was held at the Army Medical Corps Centre (AMC) in Lucknow on Tuesday when 47 officers from across the country graduated from the AMC. Baldev Singh and his wife Indira Devi, both of whom attended the event, expressed immense gratitude and pride for their son.
Speaking to TNR, Baldev mentioned that Gagnesh, who was previously serving as a clerk in the Army, successfully qualified the Army Cadet College (ACC) test, a prerequisite for non-officers in the armed forces to enter the Indian Military Academy (IMA) that produces officers.
It proved to be the ultimate test of fortitude for my son, who had to study during the remaining hours after a grueling day’s work as a clerk. “I am proud of what my son has achieved. I now feel that all the hardships I faced earlier have borne fruit,” he shared with a choked voice.
Born in the quiet village of Kothi Gehari in Mandi, which is 25 km from the district headquarters, Gagnesh completed his schooling at Paddal Middle School and Arya Samaj School, Mandi, before joining the Army.
Baldev, who worked as a daily wager for 28 long years, was promoted as a regular employee three years ago in the department. Despite limited financial resources, he managed to propel both his children into the Army, with one now attaining the rank of Lieutenant.
Gagnesh, sharing his thoughts with TNR over the phone, expressed that it was his long-cherished dream to be an officer in the Army, a dream he fulfilled with sheer determination and hard work. “When I joined the Army, I felt glad that I was serving the country and supporting the family in a better way. However, I didn’t stop there and wanted to progress by preparing for the commission test,” he informed.
“I have seen my parents struggle for everything and always wanted to make them proud. Today, I have fulfilled that dream by becoming an officer,” he proudly declared. The atmosphere in the village of Kothi Gehari is filled with happiness as Gagnesh becomes the first person to become a Lieutenant in the Army. He is also a national-level badminton player
