Armyman’s son from Birbhum tops NDA exam, dreams to join Indian Air Force
Times of India | 17 April 2025
Kolkata: Birbhum boy Imon Ghosh has topped the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II) with a score of 1084 out of 1800.
It has always been Imon's aspiration to pursue a career in defence as he grew up watching his father, Ujjal Kumar Ghosh, who was a havaldar in the Indian Army. Ujjal is now retired and lives in Bolpur with his wife.
Imon studies in Class XII at Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun. He said, "I want to join the Air Force as a Flying Officer. I have been fascinated by fighter jets since my childhood. I dream of flying them. My father is my biggest inspiration. His disciplined life, hard work and honesty towards his duty motivated me to pursue a career in defence. My exam was good, but I did not expect this rank. I have no words to describe my feelings."
The 18-year-old boy was born in Suri, but given his father's frequent transfers, he ended up studying at schools across the country before joining Sainik School Kunjpura, Haryana. He joined RIMC, Dehradun, in Class VIII. Imon is a good debater, has a flair for art and loves to play all kinds of sports. When at home, he spends his time playing his guitar.
"We are elated that his dream has come true. My son's hard work, dedication and perseverance paid off. The support from his teachers and the environment at RIMC helped him prepare for NDA," said Gargi, Imon's mother.
Imon will join the NDA in July. While Gargi is happy that Imon has topped the exam, she is apprehensive of her son joining a career in defence. "As a wife of a person who was in the Army, I would be anxious, constantly worrying for my husband. I wanted my son to pursue a different career," she said. "But Imon convinced me that every career and every step of life is fraught with dangers and risks. His enthusiasm and passion for a career in defence made me mentally strong."
Imon said he was well aware of the challenges of being in the defence. "Every job has its pros and cons, so will mine. What surpasses everything is the respect that comes with this profession and the opportunity to serve," he said.