Lieutenant Hardeep Gill, hailing from Village Alipur near Uchana in Jind district, has recently achieved his dream of serving in the Indian Army after overcoming significant hurdles. Four years ago, he faced a setback when his aspirations to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) were dashed with the introduction of the Agnipath recruitment scheme. Despite initially being selected as an IAF Airman and ranking 59th on the all-India merit list among nearly 3,000 candidates, he ultimately did not receive a joining letter, leaving him with no clear path forward.
Raised by a single mother, Hardeep experienced profound loss early in life, losing his father before he turned two. His mother, Santro, worked tirelessly as a mid-day meal worker, earning about ₹800 a month, while also managing a small agricultural plot and selling milk from their two buffaloes to supplement their income. This challenging financial situation did not deter Hardeep; he persevered through his education, completing Class 10 at a village school, finishing Class 12, and eventually graduating through IGNOU, all while aiding his mother in the fields.
Following the disappointment with the IAF, Hardeep turned to the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, which he successfully cleared. However, the Services Selection Board (SSB) proved to be a more daunting challenge. It took him nine attempts to finally achieve success, a testament to his unwavering determination. Major General Yash Mor (Retd), who mentored Hardeep online during his SSB preparation, noted that Hardeep’s breakthrough in 2024 came after considerable effort, as he secured 54th rank in the all-India merit list.
In a podcast reflecting on his journey, Hardeep shared insights into the pressure he faced from his community, where some believed his fixation on becoming an officer would cost him lower-level job opportunities. Yet, he remained resolute, stating, “I never gave up hope,” and committed to improving himself with each attempt.
On a recent Saturday, Hardeep’s dreams materialized as he participated in the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, marking his commissioning as a Lieutenant. With his mother proudly watching on, he is set to join the 14th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry, a milestone that signifies the start of his career as an Indian Army officer.
Lieutenant Hardeep Gill’s story stands as a powerful narrative of resilience and self-belief, inspiring countless defense aspirants across India. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, showcasing that dreams can be realized through determination and hard work.
