PUNE: “I feel obligated to serve in Army because it took care of my ailing father, who succumbed to liver cancer three years ago after retiring from the force,” said Army cadet Ankit Chaudhary, President’s gold medalist of 147th course at National Defence Academy (NDA).
Ankit had cleared JEE Main entrance exam but JEE-Advanced examination and interview for the Service Selection Board (SSB) for NDA clashed. Ultimately, he chose to join NDA.
“I prepared only for JEE entrance exam. I took NDA entrance with my friends. JEE Advanced examination and SSB interview were scheduled the same day. It was a career-defining moment for me. I listened to my inner feelings and sacrificed my IIT dream. In the end, I felt compelled to join the academy to serve in Army, as it provided top quality medical care to my father through Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS),” Ankit told TOI.
Ankit’s father, Sultansing,had served in the 11 Rajputana Rifles infantry battalion for 17 years. “I saw how well Army took care of him. Today, I believe I made my father proud. He would have been happy with my decision,” Ankit said.
Ankit’s mother Sarojdevi, a teacher in Rajasthan govt, stood proudly beside him with tears in her eyes. “Being a single mother after my husband’s death, my sole aim was to educate my children well. While Ankit joined NDA, my younger son Aanshu will join AIIMS to pursue a medical degree. Both sons have made me proud,” Sarojdevi said.
Ankit’s family is from Barsinghpura village in Rajasthan’s Sikar district, about 115km from Jaipur. Ankit completed his schooling at St Mary’s Senior Secondary School in Sikar. He had the honour of commanding the parade for his course. “Out of 11 cadets considered, I was selected this (Saturday) morning. It was a significant honour and I will cherish it throughout my life,” Ankit said.