MAHARASHTRA: One of the age-old sayings, “Coming events cast their shadows long before,” finds validation in the remarkable journey of Omkar Jadhav, who, despite hailing from the arid region of Khatav in Maharashtra’s Satara, braved all odds to crack the combined defence service exam and occupy the position of a lieutenant in the Indian Army.
Jadhav, who used to sell vegetables and coconuts to meet his family’s expenses, has been a brilliant student since childhood, says his father, Nanasaheb Jadhav. Proper guidance from good teachers helped him mould his personality, beside making him an avid reader.
After primary education, Omkar’s teachers suggested sending him to the central government-run Navodaya school or the military school, but he was keen on joining an army school rather than switching to Navodaya school. Giving in to his wishes, the family sent him to a military school, where he studied from 6th to 12th standard and scored well.
The weak financial condition prevented them from visiting Omkar in Satara. So, he used to come over and meet the family. “My son used to leave Satara city at 1.00 pm and after lunch on Sunday and return before 5.00 pm,” his father says.
Nanasaheb Jadhav says his son never squandered money. “He is always frugal when it comes to spending. He was never inclined to fancy a lifestyle and new clothes. In military school, he learned discipline and etiquette. Whenever he used to go for exams, we could never afford decent hotels for our stay. He has often slept on the railway platform, too.” he added.
After 12th, Omkar wanted to appear for the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination in Pune. “We, with the help of family and friends, went to Pune and inquired about coaching classes and asked him to stay in Pune to attend this one-month coaching. But he returned immediately. Due to his diligence and hard work, he successfully cracked the first round of NDA in his second attempt,” his father recalls proudly.
Omkar was delighted that his dream to become an Army officer was being realised. “But he failed to pass the medical test, which became a jolt for him. But he did not lose hope and said he would continue his studies and appear for competitive exams. He did BSc from Wadia College, Pune and continued studying,” he added.
He said his son started apparing for the combined defence service examinations. “He failed in three attempts. He used to pass written examinations but be rejected in interviews and other tests. But he never lost hope and abandoned efforts. Then, in his fourth attempt, he not only cracked the written exam but also passed the interview and the medical test. Now, he is at Dehradun for his training, which will go on for more than one-and-a-half years. We are happy that his dream has come true,” he said.
Even after clearing the exam though, Omkar Jadhav still works on the farm.