Even as our armed forces entice youth to join the forces for a career filled with achievement, pride, security and fulfilment, the youth themselves find it difficult to cross the recruitment barrier, due to the tough tests of mental and physical agility. Recognising this, this ex-servicemen’s association has started trainingaspiring youth to tackle the recruitment tests in the interests of the nation. Indresh Coovercolly has more.
The tiny district of Kodagu has contributed onefield marshal, one General, many Lt. Generals and thousands of warriors tothe Indian army. In this district every village have tens of ex-service men as also soldiers in service. Many households have two-three members serving in the defence forces.
It can be termed a natural extension of the sacrifice made for the nation, but it is rather unusual. This ex-serviceman association is motivating and training the youth of the district and beyond to join the armed forces. The Kushalnagar ex-servicemen association provides has been providing rigorous training for youth aspiring to join defence forces since last 17 years. The association president M N Monnappa, A Janardhana, N S Suresh kumar, Bojappa , Somanna provide this training everyday morning from 5 .30 am to 7.30 am.
The training includes running for two kilometres, zigzag running, long jump, high jump, push ups, Yoga and meditation at the government primary school grounds which has benefitted thousands of youth. Along with this skills and inputs to clear the written examination is also provided. Speaking to this reporter, ex-serviceman A Janardhana said that the district has a number ofaspirants wanting to join the armed forces but unfortunately there is no training institution in this field. We discussed the issue in our association meeting and the majority opined that if we could provide this training, it would help both the nation and the youth.
He said the association started training in the year 2000 and has already trained more than 2000 youth. He said the training is completely free of cost. He said training is provided through the year, but the number of trainees increases when there are job openings in defence, police, CRPF and other forces.
A trainee, B Cauverappa from Balele told this reporter that he came from 60 kms away to under go this training since two months. He said he is confident of clearing the armed forces recruitment process after this training. The Association also provides information on the recurutiment notifications and process to aspiring youth, trainer Naresh Kumar said. Hundreds of youths joined defence forces after training here, he added.
