Shyam Sundar, 24, just completed the final handover formalities of his Mechanical Design job at a leading Indian IT firm, where he was recruited fresh out of Engineering College.

The first graduate of the family is leaving behind his cherished first job. As he was the first member of their family to have a formal sector job, this job meant the world to their family that had been struggling to make ends meet.

His father, Umapathy, a security guard working in hotels, had lost his job amid the pandemic, whereas his mother, Anuradha, who runs a tailoring shop, earns the bare minimum.

Shyam's income held the family afloat and also paid for his younger brother's college education. But the young man is a chosen one, and he's getting ready to pursue his dream of becoming an Indian Navy Officer.

WION spoke to Shyam Sundar, who will be commencing his training at the Indian Naval Academy (Asia's largest such facility) on February 6th.

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Excl: Shyam Sundar, a 24yr old from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> cracked <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SSB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SSB</a> in maiden attempt, to join <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Naval academy on Feb6th 
 
His dad is a security guard, mom a tailor, they stay in a rented house.1st grad in their family, Shyam quit his IT job after getting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/navy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#navy</a> call letter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/GPsDQG97Bs">pic.twitter.com/GPsDQG97Bs</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1488869083743338497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Growing up in Chennai, Shyam had to switch multiple schools in search of more affordable options, owing to his family's weak financial situation. However, the challenges before him only furthered his resolve to work harder and support his parents.

Following the State Board Syllabus, he received an overall grade point average of 91.4% in the subjects Math, Physics, and Chemistry on his 12th grade board exam.

This high score landed him an opportunity to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, at a private college in the city.

Thanks to his commendable academic performance in college, he landed two job offers, from which he chose the mechanical design job with the IT firm. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-naval-academy-inside-look-at-asias-largest-naval-academy-the-cradle-of-indias-future-naval-leadership-434858">Pictures: Inside look at Asia’s largest Naval Academy, the cradle of India’s future naval leadership</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/2021/12/07/225301-untitled-design-8.jpg" />

During college, his desire to keep himself fit drew him to the neighbourhood gym, one with bare-minimum manual equipment. It was there that he happened to have a chance meeting with a government employee, who rekindled the young man's idea of joining the Armed Forces and serving the country.

Thereafter, Shyam was put in touch with veteran Armed Forces officers, who guided him and provided more clarity on what lay ahead.

"I've always had a patriotic spirit, but I had to support my family right after my studies and had no option other than to take up the IT job. Working helped me seek a loan, and I could assist the family in settling down to a considerable level. That's when I came across the opportunity to apply for a career in the Indian Navy, and there were no second thoughts, " he recalls.

Despite it being his maiden attempt at this exam, it was his one and only shot at joining the Navy, owing to age criteria. Earlier, with hardly any preparation and guidance, he had also attempted similar exams such as the Air Force Common Admission Test and the Central Armed Police Forces Exam. However, both those attempts were unsuccessful.

"Amid my hectic work schedule, I had only two weeks to prepare for the exam. I had also sought 10 days of leave from work on an emergency basis in order to attend the interview. Besides the books that I managed to purchase, I also referred to certain websites and apps to gain further knowledge. Much of my preparation happened during my train journey from Chennai to Visakhapatnam (where the test happened), "he says regarding his preparation.

Up against candidates from well-to-do backgrounds and those with degrees from elite institutions, Shyam Sundar was the lone candidate to make it among the group that was interviewed in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Looking back, Shyam says he's glad to have focused on developing his personality and officer-like qualities, besides working hard on his communication skills and knowledge of current affairs.

Having received the call letter to join the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala, the family is marshalling their resources to help their son achieve his dream of serving the country. Amid the pandemic, having lost his job as a security guard, Shyam's father is now looking for work, while his mother continues to take care of her tailoring shop. In his final year of college, his younger sibling is looking forward to finding a job and taking over the family responsibilities.

His mother, Anuradha, is happy that her son has gotten this far in life and is going to serve the country, but she also admits that it’s difficult for her as a mother to stay away from him.

"He's been with us throughout his schooling and college, so I find it a little hard to accept. However, all our relatives and friends encouraged me and made me understand the magnitude of his achievement. With our limited means, we couldn't do much for him. It was all his focus and effort that took him there, " she says.

Amid his frantic search for a job and managing to pay off their home rent and cover family expenses, the news of their son having made it to the INA, has made Shyam's father a happy man. "Everyone is telling us that it is a God-given life and career, and they are wishing him well for his future. They say that he'll return from the academy as a completely transformed person. Meanwhile, I can find work and contribute to the family," Umapathy beams with pride.

At the INA, Shyam will be undergoing a one-year course of ab-initio training that is aimed at developing the trainees morally, mentally, and physically.

The Indian Navy's INA, known as the "Cradle for Leadership," instils in its cadets the high ideals of loyalty, valour, and patriotism.

Completing the course at INA and a few years of training at specialised naval facilities prepares trainees to become future leaders in the Indian Navy. On completing the course at INA, Shyam will earn the rank of a Sub Lieutenant. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-naval-academy-inside-look-at-asias-largest-naval-academy-the-cradle-of-indias-future-naval-leadership-434858">Pictures: Inside look at Asia’s largest Naval Academy, the cradle of India’s future naval leadership</a>

Shyam was among the defence aspirants mentored by 'Dream of Defence," a tightly-knit group run by veteran defence officers, at no cost. Students from across Tamil Nadu are part of this messaging group, where veteran armed forces officers interact with, coach, and mentor defence aspirants, based on their individual goals of joining the tri-services. Occasionally, the mentors meet the students and offer personal mentorship, along with offering orientation sessions and specialised classes via online platforms.

Shyam Sundar, 24, just completed the final handover formalities of his Mechanical Design job at a leading Indian IT firm, where he was recruited fresh out of Engineering College.

Shyam Sundar, 24, just completed the final handover formalities of his Mechanical Design job at a leading Indian IT firm, where he was recruited fresh out of Engineering College. The first graduate of the family is leaving behind his cherished first job. As he was the first member of their family to have a formal sector job, this job meant the world to their family that had been struggling to make ends meet. His father, Umapathy, a security guard working in hotels, had lost his job amid the pandemic, whereas his mother, Anuradha, who runs a tailoring shop, earns the bare minimum. Shyam's income held the family afloat and also paid for his younger brother's college education. But the young man is a chosen one, and he's getting ready to pursue his dream of becoming an Indian Navy Officer. WION spoke to Shyam Sundar, who will be commencing his training at the Indian Naval Academy (Asia's largest such facility) on February 6th. Excl: Shyam Sundar, a 24yr old from #Chennai cracked #SSB in maiden attempt, to join #Indian Naval academy on Feb6th His dad is a security guard, mom a tailor, they stay in a rented house.1st grad in their family, Shyam quit his IT job after getting #navy call letter #India pic.twitter.com/GPsDQG97Bs — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 2, 2022 × Growing up in Chennai, Shyam had to switch multiple schools in search of more affordable options, owing to his family's weak financial situation. However, the challenges before him only furthered his resolve to work harder and support his parents. Following the State Board Syllabus, he received an overall grade point average of 91.4% in the subjects Math, Physics, and Chemistry on his 12th grade board exam. This high score landed him an opportunity to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, at a private college in the city. Thanks to his commendable academic performance in college, he landed two job offers, from which he chose the mechanical design job with the IT firm. Pictures: Inside look at Asia’s largest Naval Academy, the cradle of India’s future naval leadership During college, his desire to keep himself fit drew him to the neighbourhood gym, one with bare-minimum manual equipment. It was there that he happened to have a chance meeting with a government employee, who rekindled the young man's idea of joining the Armed Forces and serving the country. Thereafter, Shyam was put in touch with veteran Armed Forces officers, who guided him and provided more clarity on what lay ahead. "I've always had a patriotic spirit, but I had to support my family right after my studies and had no option other than to take up the IT job. Working helped me seek a loan, and I could assist the family in settling down to a considerable level. That's when I came across the opportunity to apply for a career in the Indian Navy, and there were no second thoughts, " he recalls. Despite it being his maiden attempt at this exam, it was his one and only shot at joining the Navy, owing to age criteria. Earlier, with hardly any preparation and guidance, he had also attempted similar exams such as the Air Force Common Admission Test and the Central Armed Police Forces Exam. However, both those attempts were unsuccessful. "Amid my hectic work schedule, I had only two weeks to prepare for the exam. I had also sought 10 days of leave from work on an emergency basis in order to attend the interview. Besides the books that I managed to purchase, I also referred to certain websites and apps to gain further knowledge. Much of my preparation happened during my train journey from Chennai to Visakhapatnam (where the test happened), "he says regarding his preparation. Up against candidates from well-to-do backgrounds and those with degrees from elite institutions, Shyam Sundar was the lone candidate to make it among the group that was interviewed in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Looking back, Shyam says he's glad to have focused on developing his personality and officer-like qualities, besides working hard on his communication skills and knowledge of current affairs. Having received the call letter to join the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala, the family is marshalling their resources to help their son achieve his dream of serving the country. Amid the pandemic, having lost his job as a security guard, Shyam's father is now looking for work, while his mother continues to take care of her tailoring shop. In his final year of college, his younger sibling is looking forward to finding a job and taking over the family responsibilities. His mother, Anuradha, is happy that her son has gotten this far in life and is going to serve the country, but she also admits that it’s difficult for her as a mother to stay away from him. "He's been with us throughout his schooling and college, so I find it a little hard to accept. However, all our relatives and friends encouraged me and made me understand the magnitude of his achievement. With our limited means, we couldn't do much for him. It was all his focus and effort that took him there, " she says. Amid his frantic search for a job and managing to pay off their home rent and cover family expenses, the news of their son having made it to the INA, has made Shyam's father a happy man. "Everyone is telling us that it is a God-given life and career, and they are wishing him well for his future. They say that he'll return from the academy as a completely transformed person. Meanwhile, I can find work and contribute to the family," Umapathy beams with pride. At the INA, Shyam will be undergoing a one-year course of ab-initio training that is aimed at developing the trainees morally, mentally, and physically. The Indian Navy's INA, known as the "Cradle for Leadership," instils in its cadets the high ideals of loyalty, valour, and patriotism. Completing the course at INA and a few years of training at specialised naval facilities prepares trainees to become future leaders in the Indian Navy. On completing the course at INA, Shyam will earn the rank of a Sub Lieutenant. Pictures: Inside look at Asia’s largest Naval Academy, the cradle of India’s future naval leadership Shyam was among the defence aspirants mentored by 'Dream of Defence," a tightly-knit group run by veteran defence officers, at no cost. Students from across Tamil Nadu are part of this messaging group, where veteran armed forces officers interact with, coach, and mentor defence aspirants, based on their individual goals of joining the tri-services. Occasionally, the mentors meet the students and offer personal mentorship, along with offering orientation sessions and specialised classes via online platforms.

Security guard father, tailor mother: Son clears top defence exam to join Indian Naval Academy

How hard is it for a 17-year old to leave home, family, and travel abroad to train at a Military Academy? New culture, new people, new language, new places, and a gruelling and transformative four-year-long training period… The list is endless.

Despite all these challenges, these young men and women assimilate, learn, grow and develop into fine Naval Officers at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, ready to go back and serve their respective Navy.&nbsp;

WION spoke to foreign personnel who completed their training at the Indian Naval Academy and formally passed out of the premier Naval training institution.

The INA trains young men and women, to be commissioned as officers of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. INA is also the only Defence institution in India to handle ab-initio training for young men and women under both Short Service Commission, Permanent Commission.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-maldives-hits-out-at-malicious-india-out-campaign-says-propaganda-by-corrupt-people-432448" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Maldives hits out at malicious ‘India out’ campaign, says propaganda by 'corrupt people'</a>

“Apart from training hard with the Indian cadets, we had the opportunity of blending with Indian Culture. We celebrated and enjoyed festivals such as Holi, Diwali and Onam… the brotherhood here and the love showered upon me by the fellow cadets and their families never let me feel like the foreigner in the last four years” Sub Lieutenant Isuru Senevirathne, from Sri Lanka told WION. Notably, he also spoke the same in fluent Hindi, which he had picked up and mastered during his time at the academy.&nbsp;

Walking into the INA, the trainees come from various cultural, linguistic, socio-economic backgrounds, but, once in the academy, they only have a single identity - as Naval officers in the making. In their crew cuts, glistening white uniforms and chiselled, lean-muscular physiques, it's hard to even identify one cadet from another.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-subscribe-elon-musk-backed-starlink-services-till-it-gets-licence-indian-government-tells-public-432309">Also read |&nbsp;Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public</a>

For Abdullazizi Omar Haji, from Tanzania, his first challenge was to improve his English language while at the Academy, in order to better understand the course and communicate with his course mates and instructors.&nbsp;

“I joined here after completing high school. My parents are teachers back home and I’m the youngest of four brothers.. Here, I picked up English slowly, with the help of my instructors, coursemates, and seniors, who helped me a lot. I’m also able to understand Hindi now” Omar Haji told WION.&nbsp;

Omar and Isuru were among the 231 trainees who had passed out as Naval Officers from the Indian Naval Academy, over the weekend. These cadets(commissioned as Naval Officer) had pursued different technical courses at the INA, spanning between six months, one year and four years. While the Indian Officers will go on to serve the Indian Navy, the foreign personnel will return to their respective countries.&nbsp;

As a part of Military diplomacy and in order to build stronger bridges of friendship, India’s Defence Institutions train military personnel from friendly foreign countries. This helps develop trust, bonding and camaraderie, and interoperability, between the forces. In recent decades, the Indian Navy alone has trained over 15,000 foreign personnel from over 46 countries.&nbsp;

How hard is it for a 17-year old to leave home, family, and travel abroad to train at a Military Academy? New culture, new people, new language, new places, and a gruelling and transformative four-year-long training period… The list is endless.

How hard is it for a 17-year old to leave home, family, and travel abroad to train at a Military Academy? New culture, new people, new language, new places, and a gruelling and transformative four-year-long training period… The list is endless. Despite all these challenges, these young men and women assimilate, learn, grow and develop into fine Naval Officers at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, ready to go back and serve their respective Navy. WION spoke to foreign personnel who completed their training at the Indian Naval Academy and formally passed out of the premier Naval training institution. The INA trains young men and women, to be commissioned as officers of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. INA is also the only Defence institution in India to handle ab-initio training for young men and women under both Short Service Commission, Permanent Commission. Also read | Exclusive: Maldives hits out at malicious ‘India out’ campaign, says propaganda by 'corrupt people' “Apart from training hard with the Indian cadets, we had the opportunity of blending with Indian Culture. We celebrated and enjoyed festivals such as Holi, Diwali and Onam… the brotherhood here and the love showered upon me by the fellow cadets and their families never let me feel like the foreigner in the last four years” Sub Lieutenant Isuru Senevirathne, from Sri Lanka told WION. Notably, he also spoke the same in fluent Hindi, which he had picked up and mastered during his time at the academy. Walking into the INA, the trainees come from various cultural, linguistic, socio-economic backgrounds, but, once in the academy, they only have a single identity - as Naval officers in the making. In their crew cuts, glistening white uniforms and chiselled, lean-muscular physiques, it's hard to even identify one cadet from another. Also read | Don’t subscribe Elon Musk-backed Starlink services till it gets licence, Indian government tells public For Abdullazizi Omar Haji, from Tanzania, his first challenge was to improve his English language while at the Academy, in order to better understand the course and communicate with his course mates and instructors. “I joined here after completing high school. My parents are teachers back home and I’m the youngest of four brothers.. Here, I picked up English slowly, with the help of my instructors, coursemates, and seniors, who helped me a lot. I’m also able to understand Hindi now” Omar Haji told WION. Omar and Isuru were among the 231 trainees who had passed out as Naval Officers from the Indian Naval Academy, over the weekend. These cadets(commissioned as Naval Officer) had pursued different technical courses at the INA, spanning between six months, one year and four years. While the Indian Officers will go on to serve the Indian Navy, the foreign personnel will return to their respective countries. As a part of Military diplomacy and in order to build stronger bridges of friendship, India’s Defence Institutions train military personnel from friendly foreign countries. This helps develop trust, bonding and camaraderie, and interoperability, between the forces. In recent decades, the Indian Navy alone has trained over 15,000 foreign personnel from over 46 countries.

'Trained hard, blended with Indian culture, learnt Hindi,' foreign trainees tell WION at Indian Naval Academy

Foreign officers were among over 230 naval officers who passed out at the Indian naval academy. WION's Sidharth MP in an exclusive conversation with a top Navy official, MA Hampiholi, commandant, Indian naval academy.

Vice admiral MA Hampiholi shares vision of Indian Naval Academy

The Indian Navy commissioned 231 cadets at the passing out parade which was held at the Indian naval academy in India's southern state of Kerala. WION's correspondent Sidharth MP brings you this report from Asia's largest naval academy.

231 cadets commissioned into the Indian Naval Academy

India's naval leadership is the largest in Asia and also itis India's pride and beyond. WION's correspondent Sidharth MP reports from the Indian naval academy which not only trains the Indian cadets but also foreign ones.

Indian Naval Academy: Teenagers sculpted into future leaders of the Indian Navy

Maldives Minister reviews passing out parade at Indian Naval Academy, Kerala

Vice-Admiral RB Pandit assumed charge Monday as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala.&nbsp;

Pandit took over from Vice-Admiral SV Bhokare.&nbsp;

Pandit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasala, the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai, and the Royal College of Defence Studies, London.&nbsp;

Pandit has specialised in anti-submarine warfare and has commanded the INS Nirghat, the INS Vindhyagiri, the INS Jalashwa and the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron at Mumbai.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Pandit has been the Naval Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan. He has also been Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command.&nbsp;

Pandit was Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet at Mumbai prior to taking over the Indian Naval Academy. He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral today.

Pandit took over from Vice-Admiral SV Bhokare

Vice-Admiral RB Pandit assumed charge Monday as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala. Pandit took over from Vice-Admiral SV Bhokare. Pandit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasala, the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai, and the Royal College of Defence Studies, London. Pandit has specialised in anti-submarine warfare and has commanded the INS Nirghat, the INS Vindhyagiri, the INS Jalashwa and the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron at Mumbai. Pandit has been the Naval Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan. He has also been Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. Pandit was Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet at Mumbai prior to taking over the Indian Naval Academy. He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral today.

Vice-Admiral RB Pandit assumes charge as Commandant, Indian Naval Academy

The Indian Navy has ordered an inquiry into the death of a 26-year-old cadet, Gudaepa Sooraj, who died after he was found unconscious and unresponsive at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimal, Kerala.

The cadet was taken to hospital on Wednesday evening. He was given resuscitation, but could not be revived and died after suffering two cardiac arrests, media reports said.

The Southern Naval Command has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

A cadet died at the naval academy during a physical training session last year. 
 
(WION)

The Southern Naval Command has ordered an inquiry into the incident

The Indian Navy has ordered an inquiry into the death of a 26-year-old cadet, Gudaepa Sooraj, who died after he was found unconscious and unresponsive at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimal, Kerala. The cadet was taken to hospital on Wednesday evening. He was given resuscitation, but could not be revived and died after suffering two cardiac arrests, media reports said. The Southern Naval Command has ordered an inquiry into the incident. A cadet died at the naval academy during a physical training session last year. (WION)

26-year-old cadet dies after falling unconscious at Indian Naval Academy

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