Durg, Chhattisgarh: Around 50 kilometres from Raipur, in the Durg district, lies a village that exemplifies patriotism and selfless service to the nation. Pahanda (Jha), often referred to as ‘Sainik Gaon’ (Soldiers’ Village), has earned a reputation for its remarkable tradition of contributing to India‘s armed forces. In nearly every household, there is someone who has either served or is preparing to serve in the military.
As headlines across the country focused on ‘Operation Sindoor’, the youth of Pahanda (Jha) were busy preparing for army recruitment, inspired by a deep sense of duty. Even ordinary villagers, driven by national pride, expressed their willingness to stand at the border if the nation called.
When a team visited the village, they witnessed youths engaged in physical training in the fields, guided by retired personnel from the army and paramilitary forces. Among them was Ishwari Prasad Verma, a retired army soldier, who shared his journey with pride.
“I joined the Indian Army in 1994 and was the first person from our village to do so,” Verma said. “While many had joined the paramilitary earlier, none had made it into the Indian Army. There were no roads or proper grounds for training, but I was determined. That determination helped me get selected.”
Verma, who retired in 2020, now dedicates his time to training young aspirants in the village. “It’s a matter of great pride for me and for the village that so many of our youth are now serving in the armed forces. I’ve personally trained many of them, and that makes me feel truly fulfilled.”
Tikendra Singh Thakur, headmaster of the Government Primary School in Pahanda (Jha), also spoke about the village’s strong military tradition. “Ask any student here about their dream, and the answer is almost always the same — to join the Indian Army. It’s inspiring to see such patriotism in our youth.”
One such youth, Gajendra Kumar, is currently preparing for the Agniveer recruitment. “I’ve been training for the past year. It’s my dream to serve the country by joining the Indian Army,” he said with determination.
With unwavering dedication and generations of service, Pahanda (Jha) stands as a symbol of India‘s indomitable spirit — a village where patriotism is not just a feeling but a way of life.
