Lone cadets from Ladakh, Mizoram bring glory to states

Dehradun: The Indian Military Academy (IMA) did not release statewise cadet numbers this year, but some officers from remote states and their families stand out. Tsering Angchok from Kargil was the lone cadet from Ladakh this year. He is also the first Army officer in his family. “My father is a farmer. We have never had military people in our family, but I was always interested in serving my country,” said Angchok.
Exposure to military action, however, was not unknown to the family who resided in a sensitive area.This experience framed Angchok’s outlook towards a career in the armed forces. “I joined the armed forces immediately after Class 12 and served for four years with the Ladakh Scouts,” he said.
Angchok ‘s family beamed with pride as he passed out as an officer on Saturday. They were dressed in traditional garb, showcasing pride in their son and in their culture.
Dayne Thiamsangliam, another lone cadet, this time from Mizoram, is also making his family proud. His family owns a small business in Aizawl. “Now he’s an officer with the Army, the first from our family,” said his mother.
The family said Dayne had shown an inclination from a young age to serve in the armed forces. Towards that dream, he did his schooling at Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun. His family is looking forward to spending time with him before he leaves for his posting in a neighbouring state.