6 from Tarn Taran academy make it too
The Nishan-e-Sikhi Preparatory Institute (NESPI) of Khadoor Sahib, in Tarn Taran district set up by environmentalist Baba Sewa Singh to revive Punjab’s pride of place in the armed forces, has sent six of its wards to the NDA.
Pritam Singh of Jallowal Madhopur village in Kapurthala district, who secured the 368th rank joined the institute in Class 11 in 2016. “My father is an ex-serviceman and this was my childhood ambition,” said Pritam.
“My wife expired on August 29, 2017 and her obituary function was on September 7 while Pritam’s NDA exam was on September 10 in Chandigarh. My son was upset, but soon after attending the obituary, he left for Chandigarh, the same day,” said Pritam’s father Harjinder Singh.
Arshdeep Singh, who got the 369th rank, said, “My father is a naib subedar and is posted in Allahabad. It became my dream to join the NDA after I cleared my Class 10 exam from Sacred Heart Convent Public School, Patti, Tarn Taran.” His father Sukhwant Singh credits the success to Baba Sewa Singh and the institute staff.
Amritsar-based Inder Pal Singh, who got the 370th rank, said was inspired to join the institution by his elder sister, who is getting training from Mai Bhago Armed Forces Institute in Mohali. “This academy helped my son achieve his goal,” said his father Rajinder Pal, a lecturer at Government Senior Secondary School, Chawinda Devi village, in Amritsar.
Navnit Singh (389th rank), son of a Hoshiarpur-based farmer and ex-serviceman Darshan Singh, said he had joined the institution two years ago. Mankirat Singh (427th rank), whose father is a chemist, said, “I came to know about the institute from my friend.”
Amteshwar Singh of Karmuwala village of Ferozepur district, who got the 441st rank, said no one from his family had ever joined the defence services.
Environmentalist Baba Sewa Singh Kar Sewa Wale, the patron of the institute, said, “Last year, we started our 1st batch and three students made it to the merit list. Now, six students have got through. I thank God.”
Institute director Lt Gen Ravinder Singh Chhatwal said, “The institute offers world-class facilities. We hold regular lectures of army officers.”