Hubballi: Eleven young men, aged between 18 and 21 years, who are pursuing BA or BCom courses, have been selected as Agniveers in the Indian Armed Forces. Their parents are construction workers, street vendors, and housemaids, forcing these youths to work in hotels, as bouncers, or drivers to support their families. Despite these challenges, they remained dedicated to training under a coach and have now achieved recognition for a grassroots initiative that has operated free of cost for the past 13 years.
Background of the Recruits
The recruits primarily come from middle-income and economically weaker families with limited access to sports facilities and professional training. They credit the guidance and disciplined training program of coach Mahantesh Ballari at Shree Karunya Sports Association (SKSA) for helping them realize their dream of joining the armed forces. The selected candidates expressed determination to continue working hard and aspire to rise to higher ranks in the military.
Stories of Determination
Amith Koppad, Varunkumar Yadawad, and Mailari P Malladi, whose parents are construction workers, told TOI that without SKSA’s free training, they would not have been able to shape their future of serving the country. “We could earn while learning for our families, and the free coaching kept us fit and focused,” they said. Abhishek Byahatti, a BA graduate from Hebasur village, shared that his parents own two acres of land and struggle to meet daily needs. “Hence, I worked as a catering worker on weekends and holidays. Ballari Sir provided accommodation and food over the last three years. His generosity has motivated me to give something back to society once I join the Army,” he said.
Another candidate, Suraj Aili, said his father is an electrician and his mother a homemaker. “It was difficult to complete BCom, but I managed it with part-time jobs,” he said. Omkar Aladakatti noted that it was his last chance as he was nearing the age limit of 21. “While working with my father, who is a sugarcane juice vendor, I attended the coaching regularly and achieved success,” he said.
Commitment to the Army
Other candidates—Kiran Indaragi, Vinay Prasad Kittur, Vinayak Shiraguppi, Kiran Gujamagadi, and Jayant Battur—affirmed their commitment to working hard even after joining the Army. “As the Army retains 75% of candidates after four years of tenure, we are confident of continuing for the next 13 years. With the Union govt reserving 10% vacancies for Agniveers, that is another option for us,” they said.
Overcoming Adversity
They recalled that Mahantesh Ballari, who faced an LPG leakage tragedy at home last year, did not stop the free coaching. “His wife Gangavva Ballari, also a physical education teacher, succumbed to injuries. Ballari sir and his two children suffered burn injuries for months. Despite all odds, he ensured proper training for us,” they shared. Seema Siddu Mogalishettar, corporator of Ward 39, said SKSA offers coaching despite challenges such as rain and winter in her ward.
