Agartala: Determination, patience and sustained commitment have enabled Saurav Sinha to realise a childhood ambition of serving the nation in uniform. The son of retired government teacher Subodh Chandra Sinha and noted Bishnupriya Manipuri traditional singer Asha Sinha, of Jalai, Chandipur, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant following a year of training at OTA Gaya, Bihar.
His aspiration to join the armed forces formed while he was in Class VII at Bimal Singha Academy, Kailashahar. From that point, he prepared himself mentally and physically, declining to be diverted by other career options. After Class X he studied at Assam Rifles Public School, Agartala, and later completed a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering at Tripura Institute of Technology (TIT), Agartala.
Following graduation he appeared for the Services Selection Board (SSB). The first two attempts were unsuccessful. He intensified his preparation and cleared the SSB on the third attempt. He has credited family members, teachers and relatives for their support, particularly his sister Snigdha Sinha, retired Major Prafulla Kumar Sinha and cousin Priya Sinha. Major Sinha helped nurture his interest in the Army; Priya Sinha, who had herself cleared SSB earlier but did not obtain a vacancy, guided him through the selection process.
His father stated that the family respected his son’s choice rather than imposing their own wishes: “We hardly ever forced our wishes on him. Instead, we wholeheartedly guided and supported him.” He also emphasised the value of parental counselling for graduates facing career uncertainty after repeated setbacks. His mother observed that a mother should serve as both guide and friend, understanding a child’s feelings and respecting their emotions.
Saurav also pursued horse riding, climbing, Bisarad in Tabla and Bishnupriya Manipuri Mridanga, activities that contributed to his discipline. He formed part of the recent passing-out parade at OTA Gaya, where officer cadets of the Short Service Commission (Technical) courses completed training and received their commissions.
The case illustrates the role of perseverance after initial failures and the importance of consistent family support in achieving a commission in the Indian Army. His journey from a Class VII student in Tripura to a commissioned officer offers an example for defence aspirants preparing for SSB and academy training.
