In a heartfelt reflection following his graduation from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Army Cadet Ankit Chaudhary, recently named the President’s gold medalist of the 147th course, expressed deep gratitude towards the military for the support it provided to his family during a difficult time. Ankit, who lost his father to liver cancer three years after his retirement from the Army, described the moment he chose to pursue a career in the Army as a significant turning point in his life.
“My father served in the military for 17 years with the 11 Rajputana Rifles, and it was challenging when he fell ill. The Army’s medical care under the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was a blessing during his treatment,” Ankit shared. “This experience made me feel a strong obligation to serve in the same force that cared for my father.”
Despite successfully clearing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main for engineering colleges, Ankit faced a pivotal decision when the JEE Advanced and the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview for the NDA were scheduled on the same day. Ultimately, he chose the NDA, citing a desire to serve the Army and honor his father’s legacy. “It was a career-defining moment for me. I sacrificed my IIT dream to follow my passions and to serve my country,” he stated.
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Ankit’s mother, Sarojdevi, who is a teacher in the Rajasthan government, was visibly moved during the ceremony, recognizing her husband’s dreams for their children. “My husband always aimed to provide us with the best education. Seeing Ankit win this prestigious medal today fills my heart with pride and sorrow, as I wish he could share in this moment,” she remarked during her visit to the NDA.
Coming from Barsinghpura village in Sikar district, near Jaipur, Ankit attended St. Mary’s Senior Secondary School before joining the NDA. He recounted the hardships his family faced, particularly when his father became ill. “I was only in fifth grade when my father was diagnosed. The Army’s support was invaluable during those years, although we ultimately lost him,” Ankit shared.
As what once was a challenging beginning turned into a successful military career, Ankit recalled adjusting to the rigors of the NDA. “Initially, it was tough to adapt to the disciplined military lifestyle, but I improved my performance significantly after the first semester and learned important leadership skills,” he explained. Ankit also highlighted the honor he felt commanding the parade during the graduation ceremony, a role he viewed as a culmination of his hard work.
In addition to Ankit’s achievement, the ceremony also celebrated Jodha Thongiaomayum, the son of a school van driver from Manipur, who proudly received a bronze medal at the parade. Jodha, who excelled in his studies at the Sainik School in Imphal before earning a place at the NDA, credited his father’s unwavering support as a major influence in his life. “Winning this medal is not just my achievement; it’s a collective success for my family and my hometown,” he said.
Spotlighting another exceptional cadet, Yuvraj Singh Chauhan, who topped the Science stream and was awarded the President’s Silver Medal, is also making his family proud. The son of a currently serving Army officer, Yuvraj expressed his intent to follow in his father’s footsteps. “Inspired by my father’s dedication, I aim to join the Corps of Engineers after my training,” he shared.
The graduation ceremony of the 147th course was not only a celebration of academic and military achievements but also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and commitment of those in service to their country.
