Techie, doc apply for Navy on finding true calling during a gruelling training to tour world in a battleship
Techie, doc apply for Navy on finding true calling during a gruelling training to tour world in a battleship
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Hrithik Roshan climbed 18,000 feet to realise his Lakshya in the reel world. But for five youngsters from across the country it was a brief but gruelling training stint with the Indian Navy which helped them find their true calling.
From chasing sedate dreams of becoming doctors, software professionals and engineers, they now want to take on life with a smile like a true soldier. Three of themu00a0Sakshi, 20, Sudhanshu, 21, and Arjun, 25 want to join the Navy!
These five youngsters have been selected by the Indian Navy and the National Geographic Channel to be a part of a television series, Mission Navy, which gives people an insight into a seaman's life. They were chosen out of 1,500 candidates after a rigorous selection procedure set by the Navy.
In an exclusive telephonic interview with MiD DAY, the five youngsters shared their pride at being short-listed for the final journey and stressed that how even if they didn't make it to the victory stand; their lives had changed for the better.
"I was on top of the world when I was declared a finalist. I can't describe the feeling. I find it difficult to believe that I am so close to my dream of joining the forces," said Sakshi, who is the youngest in the group, and aspires to become a chopper pilot.
For Suranjani, who is a software engineer by profession, being a part of the show was reliving her childhood dream. "I always wanted to join the defence forces but could not qualify. This programme gave me a chance to live my dream," she said.
But before the dream walk came the two-month-long strenuous training the candidates had to undergo. None can ever forget the "ragda" (the colloquial military term for punishment) the Navy meted out to get each one into shape, both mentally and physically.
"At one point the training became so tough that I felt I wouldn't be able to last. But now I feel it has made me stronger both mentally and physically," said Sudhanshu, who is studying to be a doctor, recalling the early morning endurance exercises where the candidates were made to run carrying a heavy gun over their head.
Now he wants to be a Navy doctor!
Most of them, however, have found the routine cathartic. "I think I have got addicted to this disciplined and tough life. It has made me strong enough to face life's adversities positively. I have decided to join the Indian Navy," said Arjun, a software developer.
"I was a loser in life. A mediocre guy who never expected to be in the list of winners. This is the first time I have participated in a national level programme and made it to the finals," he said. No wonder his first reaction after hearing his name being declared as a finalist was disbelief!
But for all of them the most precious moment was when they donned the sailor's overall and stepped into a naval vessel at Panji, Goa. "A mix of feelings enveloped me. I was feeling proud and more responsible towards my country. I also became conscious that my actions would matter to others and after that every single moment became precious," said Sakshi.
"The uniform drove home the point that we had finally done it. Suddenly I realised that my life as a software developer was unfulfilling. Now I want to join the Navy so that I can live a life of adventure," said Arjun.
So charged up are these youngsters at the thought of a sea career that a Navy man's comparatively poor monetary status doesn't bother them. "The money does not matter. The salaries of Navy personnel along with the other facilities they get are enough. I just want to live a better life," Arjun said.
Besides making them more disciplined and strong, the Navy has instilled in them the undying spirit of a soldier. Summing up her experience, Chaitanya, 28, said, "You are never given a dream without also being given the power to fulfil it. The Mission Navy experience reassuredu00a0 that when you have a dream, work towards it with the right spirit.
And sooner or later it will come true." The series will be aired from February 2.
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Uniform pleasure: (Left to right) Sakshi, Suranjani and Chaitanya; | |
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