Shillong, May 30: Proshidh Prosonno Hajong, an alumnus of the National Institute of Technology Meghalaya and a resident of Tura, West Garo Hills, has realized his dream of joining the Armed Forces as he has been commissioned as an Assistant Commandant in the Indian Coast Guard of Indian Navy.
Hajong, who completed his graduation in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, shared his journey and the challenges he encountered along the way. From his early education at Embee Rose Bud Secondary School and Don Bosco College Higher Secondary Section in Tura, Hajong nurtured his passion for the Armed Forces.
He made his first attempt to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2016 but was unable to make the cut. Undeterred, he continued to pursue his dream while studying for his B.Tech in Shillong, appearing for various entries such as UES, AFCAT, CDS, CGCAT, and INET. Despite facing multiple SSB interviews in Bhopal, Kapurthala, Kolkata, and Allahabad, success eluded him.
However, Hajong remained determined and decided to give it one final shot. He left no stone unturned in preparing himself, focusing on personality development, interpersonal skills, management and leadership abilities, general and military knowledge, and projecting his Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). This comprehensive approach paid off, and he received a recommendation from the Indian Coast Guard Selection Board at CGSB, Noida on July 28, 2022.
Hajong’s training as an officer cadet was conducted at the prestigious Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala. Reflecting on his time at INA, he described it as one of the most cherished memories of his life. “Training at INA is no joke as everyday poses a new challenge and it is only with the attitude to surpass the pain, the cadets endure such a harsh training. “This Too Shall Pass” inscripted in every cadet’s cabin illuminates the same. With time passing on, cadets become tougher and finally are molded into fine naval officers living to the ethos of INA,” he said.
On May 27, 2023, Hajong passed out of the academy, marking his commissioning as an Assistant Commandant.
Hajong’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring candidates and highlights the importance of perseverance, continuous improvement, and unwavering determination in pursuing one’s dreams.
