Indian Military Academy (IMA) parade ground sparkled with polished boots and shining medals. But beyond the grand ceremony were stories of grit and determination. Among the new officers, Lt Rahul Verma and Lt Raman Saxena stood out—not for their ranks, but for the incredible journeys that brought them here.
For Lt Raman Saxena, the dream of joining the Army began in an unexpected place—a kitchen.
According to TOI, he hails from Agra and has a hotel management degree in 2007 after which started working as a cook in a hotel.
But his life took a turn when he joined the IMA’s Gentleman Cadet (GC) mess as a catering in-charge.
“My father always encouraged me to join the Army,” Saxena told to TOI.
In 2014, he took the first step by enlisting as a Naib Subedar. Working closely with cadets at the IMA inspired him deeply. “Watching them made me dream of becoming an officer myself,” he added.
Not an easy journey
However, it wasn’t easy. Saxena failed twice in the officer entrance exam before finally clearing it in his third attempt, just before the cut-off age of 35. His father, a retired honorary captain who served in the Army for 30 years, was his constant source of support. “He believed in me,” Saxena said. He also credits Col Vikram Singh, his senior officer, for guiding him through the tough times.
Hard work won
Lt Rahul Verma’s story is just as inspiring. The son of a washerman from Kota, Rajasthan, Verma grew up in a small home where clothes were ironed during the day and meals cooked at night. Amid the hum of irons and the smell of starch, he dreamed big.
“My father always taught me that hard work brings respect,” Verma shared with TOI. “He often said, ‘It’s not just kings who can rise to the top—anyone can, with effort.’”
With limited space and resources, Verma studied late at night under the dim light of a single bulb. “It was tough, but I knew I had to push through,” he added.
Today, both Verma and Saxena stand tall as officers of the Indian Army.
One who dreamt under a single bulb, and another who found his calling in a mess hall, they now march with pride, their stories shining brighter than any medal on their chest.
