Alumnus Ranks Fourth in National Entrance Exam

Deepak Singh gets into Indian army’s elite OTA (Officers Training Academy)

“From a remote village in the Himalayas to the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Deepak Singh’s story highlights the power of dedication and the transformative impact of quality education.”

Dear readers! It’s with great joy and pride that we want to inform you that Deepak Singh Rathore, an alumnus of Himalayan Inter College, Chaukori, secured 4th rank in the prestigious national level Combined Defence Services examination (CDS) held in 2024. 

CDS is conducted for the recruitment of officer cadets in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). We are thrilled that Deepak has been selected for OTA. It’s a dream come true for a young graduate who hailed from a remote region in the Kumaon Himalaya. After the training he will join the army as a two star ranked lieutenant and lead 40-60 subordinates.  Let’s chat with  Deepak and learn about his inspiring life journey.

Hello Deepak, Congratulations on your tremendous achievement! You will soon be an officer in the Indian army. To start with, can you tell us about your family background?

Deepak: Thank you! First of all it feels great to join the Indian army in a leadership position. I am a native of Simgari village, near Chaukori. My father worked in the army and he is retired now. My mother is the caretaker of our home. I have a sister who got married recently. 

Tell us  about your educational journey and academic interests.

Deepak: I graduated from HIC in 2018 and went to Dehradun to study a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Since my childhood, I have been interested in Mathematics. It’s my favourite subject. So for my master’s degree, mathematics was a natural choice. In 2023, I obtained a Master of Science degree from DAV PG college, Dehradun.

Great! How did you get interested in the defence service? And how  did you prepare for the entrance  examination? The CDS exam is supposed to be one of the toughest ones. 

Deepak: My father was in the military himself. Growing up I saw him serving the nation as an army man. So it motivated me a lot to join the army.

As for the preparation, I took guidance from retired officers and also by regularly reading newspapers to keep myself updated on what is happening in the world. I was with my friends who were preparing for the same exam. So I was in good company! My teachers and family encouraged and supported me throughout. Their trust in me definitely improved my self confidence and helped me do my best in the exam.

How did your education at HIC shape you? 

Deepak: The peaceful ambience of the school and encouragement of the teachers were very helpful. The environment encouraged my interest in learning and expanded my intellectual horizons. 

Interesting! Please tell us about your interests and hobbies and what you do in your leisure time.

Deepak: I like reading newspapers and playing cricket whenever I have free time. I also listen to Kumaoni folk music.

My favourite book is Operation Blue Star by K.S. Brar. It’s a thrilling read and inspires me as I am going to serve in the army. And the movie that I like is “Three Idiots”.

Let’s now talk about the larger context of where you were raised and attended school.  What are the challenges faced by the hill communities?

Deepak: I believe currently there are many issues faced by the hill communities apart from lack of infrastructure and job opportunities. They give rise to social disturbances and low standard of living in the hills. 

What is needed in your village that would improve  the lives of people there? How would you like to contribute to the betterment of your native place?

I am sure better health infrastructure, transportation and connectivity facilities would very much improve the living conditions in the villages. The government should impart vocational skills to the youth so that they can bring about change in the rural areas by becoming self employed.

I would definitely like to interact with the youth and guide them towards achieving their goals and dreams.

What do you like about your alma mater? What is your favorite memory of the HIC years?

Deepak: I am glad that even in a remote area in the Himalayas, HIC is able to deliver quality education, which is beneficial to the students with limited resources. It fosters a sense of aspiration among the students. 

There are many favourite moments in the school. If I have to select one, that would be the Environment day celebrations, when I delivered my first public speech on the importance of protecting of nature  and the environment.

Deepak with his mother and sister

What advice would you give the current HIC students?

Deepak: Along with studies, I believe, students should learn from newspapers and books about current international and national events. They should focus on developing their communication skills as well as their interest in sports and games.

They should continuously work hard to achieve their dreams.

Please tell us about what you think about HEF and its association with HIC? 

HEF is doing a tremendous job and helping HIC to provide quality education to the students in a place like Chaukori. I am happy that HEF supported Himalayan Naari group which is definitely empowering the local women and making their lives better.

Anything else you would like to share with our readers? 

I am happy that HIC and HEF have been working together to hone the skills of the students and bring out their best. I wish them all the best in their endeavours.

Thank you, Deepak. We at the HEF are proud of your achievements and wish a great future and good luck in achieving your personal and professional goals!

Contact details:

Email: deepakrathore028715@gmail.com

Phone No.8194028715