Rejected twice by IMA, havildar's son wins Sword of Honour

DEHRADUN: Jatin Kumar was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour and the President's Silver Medal at Indian Military Academy's (IMA) Autumn Passing Out Parade on Saturday, but just a few years ago, he was striving to gain entry into the elite institution. "I got rejected twice by IMA, but I never lost hope. My family has always been my strength, and with their support, I am celebrating the most memorable day of my life. It was the dream of my father that I become an Army officer. Eleven years ago, when I was in Sainik School, I, too, dreamt of serving the nation, and today that dream has come true," said Lt Kumar. His father, a retired havildar, served in the Army until 2018.
Kumar, a silver medallist graduate from the NDA, hails from Palwal, Haryana. "My parents are like my backbone. I also got inspired by my teachers and senior officers," he added.
Mayank Dhyani from Pauri Garhwal who earned the bronze medal, also thanked his family - his father, too, is an ex-serviceman - and said they were his primary support in realising his dream. He said: "I come from a modest family. If an ordinary person like me can fulfill his dream, anyone can achieve it with determination."