In an inspiring story of perseverance, patriotism and determination, Ritesh Kumar Singh, the son of a Kargil War veteran, has been commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the Indian Navy, becoming the first commissioned military officer from his village, Raghodihara, in Bihar’s Rohtas district.
The achievement, attained on May 28, has brought immense pride to the village and surrounding region, with residents celebrating the success of the young officer who chose a life of military service despite having opportunities in the corporate and management sectors.
Ritesh is the younger son of retired Subedar Janardan Singh, who served in the Indian Army for nearly three decades and participated in the Kargil War. Inspired by his father’s discipline, patriotism and military career, Ritesh developed the dream of becoming an officer at an early age.
The commissioning ceremony was particularly emotional for the family as his parents proudly adorned his shoulders with the coveted naval stars, marking the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.
Persistence Through Multiple SSB Attempts
Ritesh began preparing for a military career while studying in Class 10. His journey, however, was far from easy. He reportedly appeared for more than 10 Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews, facing multiple setbacks before eventually achieving success.
Rather than giving up, he continued to improve himself after each unsuccessful attempt, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. His perseverance finally paid off when he was selected for the Indian Navy in June 2025.
Strong Academic Record
Academically, Ritesh has maintained an impressive record. He completed his schooling at Army Public School Prayagraj and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Allahabad.
He also performed exceptionally well in the CAT examination, securing around 90 percentile, which earned him admission opportunities at Indian Institute of Management Amritsar and Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya.
However, mindful of the financial burden on his family and driven by his commitment to national service, he chose to pursue higher studies through an MBA programme at Banaras Hindu University while continuing his pursuit of a military career.
A Family of Achievers
Ritesh’s elder brother, Vikas Kumar Singh, is a B.Tech graduate and currently serves as a Team Leader at Infosys.
The accomplishments of both brothers have brought recognition to their family and village, with Ritesh’s commissioning serving as a powerful inspiration for aspiring defence candidates across the region.
From a small village in Bihar to the quarterdeck of the Indian Navy, Ritesh Kumar Singh’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work and unwavering dedication to the dream of serving the nation.
