The One With Young Soldier

I Think Therefore I Am', said Descartes. It means, if one has ability to think, then he/she know the purpose of his/ her existence.

When I was thinking about this philosophy, one of my school friend not only found purpose of his existence, but also worked hard to satisfy the purpose. His name is Prabodh Deshmukh. (soon I have to call him Lieutenant)

Prabodh has cleared CDS (Combined Defence Services) examination. He is in IMA (Indian Military Academy), Dehradun. Prabodh completed his graduation (Bsc(physic)) from SP College Pune, Pune University. He went to Independent Junior College, Amravati to complete his HSC. Prabodh completed his SSC from Golden Kids High School, Amravati.

When one of my friend told me about his achievement, I thought there won't be any better person to start this page. Its time to reveal his journey through these questions.

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Q. 1] Tell us about your school and college life. What kind of student you were?

-  As a student I was neither to right nor to left. You can call me slightly above average. I was decent and well behaved. Had a huge friend circle.(PS. We were in same class so you know that I wasn't some smart cheek then!! ) In college I started taking active role in extra curricular activities. I was part of college debating club, I was camp senior and managed some 400 cadets for 10 days, organised trek and did many. As a student my aim was neither just scoring more in exams nor to get a fat package after graduating but to learn accumulate Knowledge in all fields and in process develop myself as a human being. I was an avid reader and read tons of books I was thirsty for knowledge, eager to try new things and hungry to prove myself and test my limits.

Q. 2] You cleared CDS. Tell us about your whole journey of preparations.

-I joined SP with sole goal of clearing CDS. Army is my passion. I had to do it, there was no other alternative for me. I had failed miserably in NDA and now I was determined to do everything in my power and even beyond it to get the victors cup. It all started with unbiased logical introspection. Trust me it is not an easy thing to do, to face ones shortcomings, to peel of all the layers of ego and false assumption, to understand your core with all its negative points and defects. But it's a necessary step, for one should know what is he lacking in to improve it. But after doing that first step the real journey started. I worked to improve all my shortcomings , improved English, I had to change my thought process, I took every opportunity to lead, command and speak which helped me in long run. I won't tell you how to study or what to read that is something​ which you guys can find out on any defense site. What I did in hindsight is that I tackled every challenge head-on and never gave up. CDSE is conducted by UPSC you are getting Presidents Commission, naturally it's not easy. Out of approx 2.5 lakh candidates who appeare for exam only 8500 are called for ssbs and at SSB the selection rate is 3%. So one has to study hard I studied for almost 12 hours a day and on some days even more for written. In other hand SSB is all about your core personality. Inculcate a hobby, try to be punctual deliberate thorough investigation every thing you do, have good manners, exercise, be a leader in every walk of life if you do it, SSB be would be a cake walk.

Q. 3] What was your family’s reaction when you took a decision to prepare for CDS? Was there any kind of emotional barriers?

-My mother had some reservations. She still, is a bit worried but she never stopped me. My father though always supported me. He always told me to do well in what ever profession. I chose my dream and  He is very happy for me.

Q. 4] In your opinion, what things people must understand and absorb before going to start preparations for CDS?

- Most important thing is, one must understand is that CDSE is exam for armed forces in profession of arms one has to be good at everything a warrior must be brave courageous adaptable, he should be a true leader. When you are signing to be an officer in Indian Army you are not signing for a 11 to 5 job but a "way of life" full of hardship and sacrifice. One must think thoroughly about the life you are gearing up for.Its a life full of honor and privileges but of challenges sacrifices and immense responsibility. Ask your self "do you have it in you?", "Can you stake everything to get those coveted stats?" and if answer is " yes" go for it! I assure you, the success is yours.

Q. 5] After CDS, which is the next level (IMA, INA, AFA etc), you are going to prepare for?

- My next objective is IMA and further special forces the coveted Maroon beret the batch of sacrifice.

Q. 6] What you would like to say to children and young people out there?

-To all those young children out there, guys dream big and give everything to achieve them. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it, work hard and NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS. Life is short, live it, love is rare, grab it, anger is bad, dump it, memories are sweet, cherish them.

I started this section to inspire people, and this solider did my job.

Because people like Prabodh thought to serve our nation, we can peacefully think, what to eat for dinner. Salute to our soldiers. 

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