The journey from a Gentleman Cadet to a Lieutenant in Indian Army is the most memorable for a person who dreamt to lead on the front line for his country. Lt Pratik Barde, who became an Indian Army Officer on his very first attempt, also felt the same. Hailing from Nagpur, Pratik was inducted in the infantry of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JaK Rifles) after graduating in the 111th SSC course at Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, recently. “My first step to becoming the leader that I aspire to be a wonderful experience. It is a rock and roll ride but in the end it is all worth it,” said Pratik to The Hitavada. Pratik was among the 200 Gentleman Cadets (GC) and Lady Cadets (LC) who passed out this year from OTA. Pratik who is an Aeronautical Engineering graduate from Priyadarshani College of Engineering, is now eagerly waiting for his first posting.

 

“I never thought that such would be the transformation in me; training has made me not only confront my fears but also to overcome them. The training made me confident, given me great experiences and friends for a lifetime. It is a great feeling to know you have a buddy who is there for you and you can count on him,” said Pratik. The Lieutenant shared some experiences about his buddy who is from Kerala and also how they together completed difficult tasks including the 50 km run which they had to finish in a single day.

 

Pratik completed his Class 10 from Narayana Vidyalaya and Class 12 from Dinanath High School and Junior College. His father Makrand S Barde is a CTI in Central Railway and mother Sushma Barde is a teacher in Somalwar High School, Ma Umiya branch. “A GC must be physically and mentally fit and tough to cross the ‘Antim Pag’ during the passing out parade. In this one year course your ‘Drill Ustad’ will teach the every possible discipline that require in a officer,” said Pratik.