M A I N   N E W S

Under Gen’s wings, an officer is born
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 14
For Lieutenant Kuljeet Kumar, the biggest day of his life came when he passed out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) today. Not only has he become part of the Army officer cadre, but also proved himself to be a worthy “son” of former Army Chief Gen JJ Singh.

“Adopted” by former Army Chief Gen JJ Singh and his wife Anupama, Lt Kuljeet had no words to express his gratitude to the former Army chief, who has been a constant source of inspiration for him. There were the dark days of terror in the Bhaderwah area of Jammu and Kashmir; where he grew “What a proud moment it has been for me with former Army Chief Gen JJ Singh himself coming here today for the ceremony,” Lt Kuljeet said.

It was an unexpected reversal of fortune for Kuljeet, a seven-year-old son of a farmer, when Gen JJ Singh, then Brigadier, decided to “adopt” him in 1997.

Under the guidance of the former Army Chief, Kuljeet did his schooling from Army Public School before getting selected for Army Cadet College (ACC) and subsequently joining the IMA.

Gen JJ Singh said Kuljeet’s hard work had finally yielded results. “I always reminded him that there was no shortcut to success. I am now hopeful that he will become a good Army personnel,” he said.

General’s wife Anupama said it was like bringing up their own a child. “Kuljeet comes from a humble background. His success gives us a sense of accomplishment,” she said. Kuljeet’s entire family had come all the way from Jammu and Kashmir to attend the ceremony.

His mother Dhaneshwari, father Omraj, elder brother Kuldeep Kumar and Kujeet’s fiancé Sunita were present on the occasion. “Kuljeet is my son by virtue of being born to me, but it is Anupama who is his real mother. It is she who actually encouraged him to excel in life,” said Dhaneshwari, trying to hide her tears of joy.

“Kuljeet happens to be the first person in our family to join the Army as an officer and this is all due to Gen JJ Singh,” Omraj said. Kuljeet’s fiancé Sunita said she was proud to be part of the Kumar family. Lt Kuljeet has joined 9 Maratha Light Infantry, a unit once commanded by Gen Singh.