Ex-serviceman trains youths to join army

RAICHUR: If one passes by the taluk stadium in Devadurga in the morning, they can see youths undergoing military training. Pampanna Akkarki, an ex-serviceman in Devadurga, Raichur district, who retired from the Maratha Light Infantry regiment two years ago, is behind this initiative. He observed that the number of youths in the armed forces is very less from his taluk and region, where there are many unemployed youths.He is currently training 80 youths to join the defence services, for free.
Akkarki told TOI that he pitched the idea of training youths in the beginning of 2020. “However, the Covid-19 pandemic hindered the plan. We approached many businessmen, lecturers and other professionals in the first six months. We got a positive response from many of them, who gave us steel poles, sand and cement at the taluk stadium, worth about Rs 3 lakh. We floated Soldier Training Academy Real Trust (START). We followed Covid-19 guidelines and launched online classes for youths aspiring to join the armed forces. Many resource persons from other states and countries joined us in this endeavour,” he said.
Bhanuprakash Khened, president, START, and a businessmen, said that youths have to go to Bengaluru or Belagavi for army training, where they have to pay a hefty amount. “When Akkarki came up with the idea, no one could deny that it was in the interest of helping youths of the region. When we announced the plan, we received over 500 applications. After checking physical eligibility and other criteria required to join the defence forces, we could select 80 candidates. We have collected Rs 3,000 from each candidate as a security deposit. If they complete the training till January, it will be refunded. If they drop out in the middle, it will be forfeited to the trust. This is done to ensure that the candidate is serious about the training,” he said.
Yallappa Handral, a government high school teacher, said that Akkarki contacted many lecturers and teachers to train them on how to appear for the written tests for the armed forces. “To support this initiative, we are referring them to books. We are happy to be part of this initiative” he said. Akkarki has served in the army for 24 years and worked as a physical trainer for a few years.
“It’s a unique initiative in our town. We hope START gets the required support from the sports and youth affairs department. We have arranged accommodation for the poor at some local government hostels. We are also trying to provide the necessary support for this initiative,” said Shivanagouda Naik, MLA, Devadurga.