Among the 491 cadets commissioned into the Indian Army from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, one individual stood out for achieving a significant milestone: 24-year-old Gyaneshwor Singh from Manipur. His commissioning marks a historic moment, as he is the first Army officer to emerge from his village, Okram in Thoubal district, resonating deeply with both his family and the local community.
As Gyaneshwor received his commission, the Passing Out Parade was attended by his proud parents and younger sister, who watched as he embarked on his new journey as an Indian Army officer. However, Gyaneshwor’s path to this achievement was fraught with challenges, particularly due to ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur while he was in training at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
The unrest in the region has created a tense environment, with Thoubal district located near Churachandpur and Bishnupur—areas frequently impacted by clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Being away from home during such turmoil weighed heavily on Gyaneshwor, who spent his days at NDA preoccupied with worries for his family’s safety. He articulated the emotional toll of being limited to weekly phone calls with his family and the anxiety that accompanied news of violence nearby.
“During the NDA training, we were allowed to communicate with our families only once a week, and only after obtaining permission. When the violence broke out, it was extremely difficult for me. I was deeply concerned about my family’s safety,” he reflected.
Despite these pressures, Gyaneshwor found solace through the unwavering support of officers and fellow cadets. He expressed gratitude, particularly towards those from Assam, who went above and beyond to check on his family through connections in Manipur. This camaraderie among cadets played a crucial role in helping him maintain his focus and complete his training, allowing him to turn an arduous situation into a testament of resilience.
His father, Okram Biramani Singh, who works as a school teacher, shared insights about their home life during the upheaval. He acknowledged the tension in their village but noted that they worked to reassure Gyaneshwor. “Although our village remained safe, nearby villages were affected. We knew our son was anxious, so we kept reminding him to concentrate on his training. Today, he is the pride of our village. Youngsters now see him as an inspiration to serve the nation,” he said.
Gyaneshwor’s mother, Mihenbi Devi, alongside his younger sister Gyaneshwori, echoed the sentiment of pride and hope. They recalled how Gyaneshwor was inspired to join the Army through his seniors at the Sainik School. His journey is now providing motivation to other youth in their village, as many have started seeking his guidance and aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Lieutenant Gyaneshwor Singh’s story is emblematic of hope and determination in the face of adversity. His journey—from rigorous training amidst communal violence to earning his commission at IMA—serves as an inspiring narrative for young individuals from similar conflict-affected regions across India, encouraging them to pursue a path of resilience and national service.
