From Delhi Classrooms to Battle-Hardened Blue: A Journey I Never Planned

By Group Captain Lalit (Retd)

In 1996, I was a Physics Honours graduate from Delhi University, juggling formulas by day and an MBA by evening. The Armed Forces were nowhere in my plans. My world was campus corridors, canteens, and carefree confidence. 

One afternoon, a close friend convinced me to apply for the Air Force Selection Board, promising a free trip to Dehradun and Mussoorie. I filled the form casually, expecting nothing more than an adventure. To my surprise, I cleared the written exam. At AFSB Dehradun, my friend was screened out on Day 1, while I advanced through psychological tests, group tasks, and interviews. Chest number 13 proved lucky—I was one of three selected out of 500 candidates. 

Even then, I hesitated. Abroad after MBA seemed more logical. But a quiet piece of advice from my best friend’s father—“Just go and join the Air Force”—settled the indecision. 

In July 1997, I reported to the Air Force Academy. Training was relentless: running everywhere, enduring exhaustion, and discovering resilience. By June 1998, I passed out as a Flying Officer, transformed from a carefree Delhi boy into a soldier. My first operational posting in Gujarat brought camaraderie that felt like family. 

Then came May 1999. At just twenty-three, I commanded an Army radar detachment during the Kargil War. We moved every three days, surviving on little sleep and constant uncertainty. Leadership meant putting my men first—their welfare, safety, and morale. On my birthday, they cooked “kheer” in the middle of nowhere, a memory sweeter than any medal. 

Years later, destiny brought me back to the same region as a Commanding Officer. This time, confidence was steadier, wisdom deeper, and camaraderie richer. The circle had closed with dignity. 

Looking back, I marvel at how a casual DU student ended up battle-hardened in uniform. The Indian Air Force gave me purpose, pride, and friendships stronger than steel. Most of all, it taught me the essence of service: to stand for something bigger than oneself. 

Reflection 

Life often begins with accidents that become destiny. What started as a casual application became a journey of transformation. I learnt that leadership is not about age or rank—it is about responsibility, empathy, and putting others before self. 

The Academy forged discipline, war tested resilience, and command taught perspective. Together, they revealed that ordinary people can discover extraordinary strength when service calls. 

ABCEL Perspective 

This story reminds us that veterans embody resilience shaped by chance and choice. What begins as an unplanned path often becomes a lifelong calling. From classrooms to combat zones, their journeys show how adaptability, camaraderie, and courage define true leadership. 

Veterans carry these lessons into civilian life—building trust, leading with empathy, and anchoring teams through uncertainty. At ABCEL, we honour these voices because they remind us that service is not just about battles fought, but about values lived every day.