On 12th, March 2016 passing out parade was counted at officers training academy, Chennai. With this Indian army got few more young men and women officers for the motherland. This is the story of Lt. Parikshit Bawa who won sword of honour at OTA, Chennai, which means he was the best cadet in his whole batch.
We had a small conversation with Lt. Parikshit Bawa who is sharing his experience of joining OTA, Chennai, winning sword of honour and becoming an army officer. Hope this will help our future officers and aspirants.
SSBCrack: How did your journey to join Indian army began?
Lt. Parikshit Bawa: I’m a 4th generation officer and a 3rd generation into my unit. My grandfather and father both served in the Armoured Corps. Even so I did my college from Delhi University first and saw the corporate life. After spending three years in college, the life ahead didn’t seem to carry any adventure. I decided to write my CDS exam, even though I wasn’t too sure on joining. But a few months before the result I decided the army was best suited for me.
I cleared my SSB in my first attempt. The secret is just remain yourself and enjoy it. The more you think about it, the more nervous you get and tend to make mistakes.
I would choose to join the forces any day of the year.
SSBCrack: How was your Academy (OTA) life?
Lt. Parikshit Bawa: Â OTA is a wonderful training academy. Training for me started the way I expected it. Introduction to all the traditions of the academy followed by learning the hard way. The fact that there are only two terms gives the juniors only one term to learn and then teach the next batch. And the senior term ensures that the juniors live upto the standards and ethos of the Academy once they pass out.
I love the Academy and I feel each officer from the OTA is worthy of doing great in his or her career.
SSBCrack: Many aspirants want to know the secret of winning sword of honour, tell us what all a cadet has to go through to earn it?Â
Lt. Parikshit Bawa: First and foremost a Cadet should remember to learn at the academy. A lot of cadets tend to go with the flow of the academy and do only what is required. You have to go beyond that. You have to give your extra bit each and every day. There isn’t a secret formula. It is basic things like smiling all the time, helping out fellow cadets even though you don’t have time, following the rules even when no one is looking, not taking shortcuts, putting in all your effort into what you are doing, participating in classes. These small things on a daily basis tend to make you a very confident person and that is the basis.
Winning the Sword of Honour is secondary to becoming a good officer. Once you train well and become confident, it will come on its own.
SSBCrack: How does it feel to carry the sword of honor?
Lt. Parikshit Bawa: It feels great to carry the Sword. There is definitely a level one needs to maintain after achieving this feat and I’m sure my instructors from Academy have groomed me well enough to do so.
What feels better is to see my parents extremely proud of me. Their happiness makes the win complete.
SSBCrack: One thing you will miss the most after leaving Officers Training Academy?Â
Lt. Parikshit Bawa: Â My coursemates! I will miss them the most. None of us wanted leave Academy. The bonding one makes during training is phenomenal.
SSBCrack: Any advice for future officers and aspirants?Â
Lt. Parikshit Bawa: Â I would advice everyone to always remain happy. Even during the worst day, if you can manage a smile nothing will go wrong. Also, always remain lively and on your toes. Be visible. Make friends with everyone. Spend quality time with your coursemates. Respect your seniors and instructors and most importantly, LEARN every little thing.
Here are some pictures of Lt. Parikshit Bawa at Officers Training Academy, Chennai
