Editorial – Lt. Col. Darshan Sadashiv Manjrekar

It fills me with immense joy and pride to return to my alma mater, PTVEMS, as a member of the batch of 1996, and to connect with you all once again through this platform. Looking back at my school days, I was someone always drawn to sports, adventure, and physical activities rather than books. I may not have been the brightest in academics, but I always carried a spirit of energy and enthusiasm that made me stand apart. Those childhood experiences built in me the courage and resilience that have guided me throughout my life. I still remember how that adventurous streak often placed me in challenging situations, even leading me to save lives during floods—moments that shaped my sense of duty and service.
After completing my engineering in Electronics, I joined the Indian Army in December 2004 through the Technical Graduate Entry and was commissioned into the Corps of Army Air Defence. From then on, life became a journey across varied and demanding terrains—whether in the icy Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, the deserts of Rajasthan, the fertile lands of Punjab, or beyond. Each posting brought its own lessons and challenges, and I had the honor of participating in major operations where our Air Defence played a decisive role. These experiences reaffirmed my belief that the Armed Forces are not just a profession but a way of life—one that demands discipline, sacrifice, and an unbreakable will.
Through my journey, one truth has remained constant: serving the nation is the highest privilege, but service takes many forms. Wearing the uniform is one, but every citizen has a duty to contribute to the country’s growth and progress in their own way. To the young minds reading this, I urge you—remain connected to your roots, respect the soil that has nurtured you, and use your education and skills to strengthen our own country instead of seeking only opportunities abroad. True pride lies in building a stronger and more self-reliant India.
Above all, remember that the mind is the strongest weapon you carry. In the Army, our legs may carry us for a few kilometers, but it is the strength of the mind that pushes us to complete the mission. All fears and failures exist only in thought; once you master your mind, nothing is beyond reach. So, embrace challenges, cultivate resilience, and dare to dream with courage and determination.
As I write this as an alumnus returning to his school, my only wish is that you, the future of this nation, continue to uphold the values of courage, discipline, and devotion, while staying rooted in the traditions that shaped you. The path may not always be easy, but with a strong mind and a strong heart, you can achieve greatness while serving a cause larger than yourself.