From Grazing Lands to Olive Green: 19-Year-Old Ganesh Kargal from Pune Joins Indian Army

Niragudsar, 22nd November 2025: “No one in our family ever studied. I myself am illiterate, but my son studied while herding sheep and goats. He has erased the tag of ‘illiterate family’ from our name and fulfilled everyone’s dreams through his determination,” said Maruti Vishnu Kargal, father of 19-year-old Ganesh Kargal from Thorandale (Ambegaon taluka).

Ganesh has been selected for the Indian Army, earning widespread appreciation and becoming a source of pride for his family and village.

The Kargal family originally hails from Gazipur village in Parner taluka. For the past 30 years, they have lived in the hilly Dongarmala area of Thorandale with their herd of sheep and goats. Ganesh’s grandfather, Vishnu Kargal, was the first to move to Thorandale with the livestock.

Maruti was born and married there, and Ganesh too was born on the same grazing land. The family drew inspiration from Ganesh’s maternal uncle, Abaji Tukaram Jhite, a police constable in Mumbai, who motivated the young boy to pursue a life in uniform.

Ganesh completed his primary education up to Class 6 in Gazipur, Parner, and later studied up to Class 9 in Wai, Satara. After returning to Thorandale, he completed Class 10 in Ghodegaon. From Class 11 to Second Year, he continued his education while living on the grazing land and tending to livestock. With frequent leopard sightings in the area, Ganesh’s father would drop him at Manchar for training at four in the morning. Alongside his studies, Ganesh trained rigorously at an academy in Manchar, preparing for recruitment into the police force. His perseverance ultimately led to his selection in the Indian Army, a moment that filled his parents with pride and emotion.

Ganesh’s younger brother, Mahesh, is currently studying in Class 11 at Annasaheb Awate College, Manchar. After Ganesh’s achievement, he was felicitated on the grazing land in the presence of family and friends, and a celebratory procession is planned in the village.

Speaking about his achievement, Ganesh said, “I am extremely happy that I could fulfill my parents’ dreams. Their hard work and my determination have brought me this far. With the support of my friends and family, I am able to see this day. Now I will leave for training. I will not let my parents’ dreams go to waste. I will dedicate myself to serving the nation.”