Himanshu joined us for his NDA attempt as a boy full of life – easygoing, cheerful, and deeply fond of his hometown, Pithoragarh.
How do we know that?
Because many times when he skipped lectures and was asked later, his innocent reply would be –
“Ghar gya tha sir… Shadi mai gya tha sir.”
One would think he wasn’t cut out for serious studies. But Himanshu proved everyone wrong. It wasn’t weakness, it was simply a lack of seriousness. The day he decided to focus, the results followed – one after another, like a cascade.
The Moment That Sparked His Fire
It wasn’t a pep talk or a scolding that brought the transformation.
It was something personal. Emotional. Motivating.
His batchmate, his close friend, his fellow Pithoragarh native – Deepesh Kholia – got recommended.
That one moment lit a spark.
Suddenly, the boy who used to disappear now became a regular.
From being irregular and carefree, Himanshu turned into the guy who stayed at the academy from morning till evening.
Sometimes in the library,
Sometimes clearing doubts,
Sometimes attending SSB batches,
And often… playing table tennis with teachers and students alike.
But always there. Always present.
From Failure to Focus
Himanshu’s journey wasn’t without struggle. He gave three SSBs. He faced rejection.
But he didn’t break. He learned.
Before his final attempt, he said something to his mentors that felt straight out of the Bhagavad Gita:
“Sir, iss baar mai soch k gaya tha ki pressure nahi loonga. Hua toh hua… nahi hua toh nahi. Bas 100% dunga, par result ka pressure nahi lunga.”
Just like “Karm karo, phal ki chinta mat karo” – he embodied that spirit, not just quoted it.
And that spirit paid off – he cracked the AFCAT exam and got recommended from 4 AFSB Varanasi for the Flying Branch.
A Smile That Took Practice
One of the most recurring feedbacks he got in SSB prep:
“You speak well… but you don’t express. No facial expressions. No smile.”
He worked on it. Deliberately. Repeatedly.
And now – he smiles. A warm, genuine, confident smile.
The kind that says, “I’ve seen failure, and I’ve chosen to grow.”
Between Distractions and Dreams
Himanshu often spoke about how Doon offered both opportunities and distractions.
As a small-town boy, the big city glittered.
Luxury cars, malls, cafes, fast life — it was all new. And tempting.
He admits he wasted a lot of time in the beginning, caught in that allure.
But over time, he came to his senses. He learned to say no.
“For small-town boys like us, it’s tough to stay focused in big cities.
That’s why coaching and good mentors matter.
Without them, we’re just… lost.
We don’t know what to study, how to begin, or even how to deal with emotional struggles.”
A Mentor’s Perspective
As mentors, we see many Himanshus.
Some fade.
Some break.
But a few like Himanshu – rise.
They don’t start strong. They start messy. But they keep showing up.
The Sum-Up: A Role Model in Disguise
Himanshu’s story is not about a perfect student.
It’s about transformation.
About how a carefree boy with a “Ghar gaya tha sir” attitude turned into a cadet with purpose.
It’s about how competition doesn’t always discourage – sometimes, it awakens.
How failure isn’t the end – but often the beginning of clarity.
And how real success isn’t about being flawless – it’s about staying in the game long enough to grow.
Himanshu is proof that you don’t have to start like a topper to end like one.
He is proof that small-town dreams can make it big – when mixed with courage, commitment, and a little bit of soul-searching.
And today, as a future Air Force officer, recommended for the Flying Branch, Himanshu is a role model – not because he was perfect, but because he became persistent.
Read more Success Stories:
Silently Strong. Steadily Chosen. Suyash Gets Recommended (3 AFSB)
Santhwana’s Way: The Quiet Strength of Right Attitude
Saurav’s Story: From the Boxing Ring to SSB Recommendation – A Journey of Grit, Grace, and Growth
Tadaji’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to OTA with Dehradun Defence Academy
Adarsh’s Journey: From Challenges to Becoming a Flying Officer with Dehradun Defence Academy
“From Dreams to Reality” Mayank’s Journey to Clear the NDA Exam with Dehradun Defence Academy
