Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, is poised to make history at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, marching proudly in the Passing Out Parade (POP) scheduled for tomorrow. His extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to military excellence serves as an inspiring narrative for defense aspirants across India.
Sunil’s life story is a testament to sheer grit and determination. Hailing from a modest family, he was raised as the son of a driver. He attended Birla School in Pilani and later graduated in Analytical Chemistry from Kirorimal College at Delhi University. His path to success wasn’t easy; he faced numerous setbacks while striving to achieve his dream of serving in the armed forces.
Before his successful admission to the OTA, Kumar encountered significant hurdles. He attempted the Services Selection Board (SSB) examination 14 times, cleared three Combined Defense Services (CDS) exams, and five Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) exams. Additionally, he served as a Sub-Inspector in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a role that instilled in him valuable discipline and resilience.
Throughout his 49-week training at OTA, Kumar distinguished himself with exceptional performances. He clinched gold medals in both cross-country running and a 15 km speed march, alongside achieving record-breaking scores in the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) and Basic Physical Efficiency Test (BPET). His blend of academic brilliance and physical prowess has made him one of the most celebrated cadets in his course.
Kumar’s inspiration stems from the legacy of Param Vir Chakra awardee CHM Piru Singh Shekhawat, a legendary soldier from Rajasthan known for his unmatched bravery during the 1948 Indo-Pakistani War. Shekhawat’s heroic acts continue to motivate cadets like Kumar to strive for excellence, pushing them to realize their fullest potential.
As Sunil Kumar prepares for his commissioning at the Passing Out Parade in OTA Chennai, the entire district of Jhunjhunu and the state of Rajasthan are filled with pride. His story serves as a poignant reminder that perseverance, dedication, and courage can transform dreams into reality.
The Indian Army takes great pride in cadets like Sunil Kumar, who not only set a shining example for their peers but also inspire countless others preparing for the National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defense Services (CDS), AFCAT, and SSB interviews. His success illustrates that with determination and hard work, even the most ambitious dreams can be realized.
