Reportage: Archana Masih| Photograph: Seema Pant

The family had no friends or relatives in Bangalore. The military school sent an escort with the boys who had been called for the interview, easing Rulia Ram from the anxiety of his young son's journey.

On arriving at Bangalore station, fourteen-year-old Sudhir washed his face, got dressed on the platform and went straight to the interview.

Four days later he sent a telegram to his parents. 'I have passed -- Sudhir.'

At the National Defence Academy in Khadakvasla, he was smaller built and physically weaker than many of his other batchmates.

"He fell behind initially, but caught up with the rest quickly," says his father, sitting under several framed pictures of his son in his living room.

During his school holidays, Rulia Ram had taken him for English tuition. He knew his son had to know the language well. It would groom him for life ahead.

The tuition teacher was a kind man who knew Rulia's Ram's financial situation and tutored Sudhir free of charge.

As time went by, Sudhir's English improved immensely, and the opportunities that he earned due to his merit lit in him the desire to excel first at the NDA and later at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

At his passing out parade at the IMA, Sudhir led the contingent.

Sitting in the audience with his family, Rulia Ram knew his son would make him proud.