In a remarkable story of friendship and shared ambition, six young men hailing from Manipur have achieved their long-held dream of becoming officers in the Indian Army. First meeting as classmates in Class 6 at Sainik School Imphal back in 2013, Lieutenants Thokchom Shiggarth, M Denish Singh, Naoton Maetei, Naoba, Meghnat Soibam, and Ronendro Angom have been recently commissioned at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.
The journey of these six friends began more than a decade ago when they enrolled at Sainik School Imphal, a prestigious institution dedicated to preparing students for careers in the armed forces. United by a common goal of serving their nation, the young men forged a deep camaraderie that was fortified through years of rigorous academic and physical training.
The group cleared the challenging National Defence Academy (NDA) examination in 2021 and subsequently underwent three years of training at the NDA before moving to IMA for intensive military preparation.
All six officers come from humble backgrounds, with their families involved in farming, small-scale businesses, or traditional occupations. Their accomplishments are reflective of their discipline, perseverance, and the robust support of their families. For many, this moment marks the first time members of their families will don the Army uniform.
Lt. Ronendro Angom shared his sentiments: “We’ve been inseparable since Class 6. Our shared dream kept us going through every challenge. Becoming officers together is a moment of pride—not just for us, but for all of Manipur.”
The significance of their achievement is magnified against the backdrop of recent ethnic and civil strife in Manipur. Amidst uncertainty and unrest, these young officers stand as symbols of hope, unity, and tenacity.
Lt. M Denish Singh expressed a motivational message for the youth of Manipur: “We want them to know that no dream is too big. With hard work and the right guidance, anything is possible.”
Although the six friends will be posted in different locations across India, their bond remains steadfast. They continue to inspire each other as they embark upon their respective paths as Army officers.
The commissioning ceremony held at the IMA’s Khetarpal Auditorium was a heartfelt occasion attended by proud family members, senior military officials, and dignitaries, all celebrating not just their personal achievements but also the remarkable unity and spirit they exemplify.
As these six officers begin their service to the nation, they symbolize courage, friendship, and an unwavering sense of purpose—demonstrating that with unity and determination, even childhood aspirations can soar to remarkable heights.
