Marching on

The exceeding chill that permeates outside does not impede them from their regular jogging and Pranayam at five in the morning. Post which,the day is virtually packed with horse riding,parasailing,karate coaching and more. Imbibing discipline and courage at an early age,for the bunch of young ladies at the Rani Laxmibai Girls Military School,it is all about following the spirit of the great warrior the school is named after.

Run by the Government of Maharashtra and situated at Kasar Amboli near Paud Road,the school was set up in July 1997,by Maharashtra Education Society (MES),that is in its post-centenary golden jubilee year currently. “A survey conducted in 1996 revealed that the number of Maharashtrians who enrolled for the defence forces was very few,and that too when the state is home to the most prestigious defence establishment — NDA. So the then Chief Minister of Maharastra,Manohar Joshi initiated the idea for this project. This project was intentionally built as a mini NDA,especially for girls. Girls nowadays are going into the Army,Navy and Air Force and this is a small attempt to guide them towards their goal,” says Shradha Walimbe,principal.

So is it that all the girls who live here harbour a desire to serve the nation? “Yes,” says Manasi Jadhav,a student of Std XII. “I would like to become an IAS officer and work towards eradicating this disease called corruption. Studying here,I get this special feeling of nationalism,where one really feels like going out and doing something for the nation,” she adds passionately. Continuing in the same spirit,Era Limye,a Std XI student says,“I joined the school this year and I feel the environment here is very encouraging; I have become more confident than earlier.”

Situated on 30 acres of land,the school provides students with multi-faceted education,thus preparing them for all the competitive exams that are held from time to time. To mention a few,in Std V,all students answer the Hindi Balwani Pariksha and in Std VI,they answer the Sanskriti Gyan Pariksha that enhances their knowledge of Hindi. Along with language,they also undergo the Homi Bhabha Science Exam to keep track of changing trends in science and technology. They are also trained for scholarship exams,drawing elementary exams,intermediate exams,MTSC and NTSC. “The training for these exams has helped me understand my interests. Previously,I had no idea that I could draw or paint better than others. These exams are a boon for students like me who have inborn talents like these but are unaware of them. The encouragement given by our teachers have made me more confident and also more determined to always get an A in this subject,” says Rucha Lokare of Std IX.

Being the only girls’ military school run by the state government,students here have achieved success in all walks of life. To mention a few,Pranita More,an ex-student,has recently joined the Indian Army as an officer. “We all feel very proud about Pranita’s achievement. She is a real inspiration for all my friends who want to pursue a career in the armed forces,” says Ketaki Inamdar who studies in Std V.

Horse riding,parasailing,karate and other such activities are on the daily checklist of all students here. All girls till Std X in this school are black belt holders in karate and are ready to put up a brave fight against any adversity. “This kind of training helps us carry ourselves smartly outside. I have participated in many such events even on the national level,” says Nakshtra Patil,a best cadet title-holder for two simultaneous years at the National Military Camp. The students also get an opportunity to attend the Basic Mountaineering Camp,Advance Military Training Camp and water sports.

The word discipline plays a pivotal role in the lives of students here. To give them proper military training and prepare them for a bright future,Commandant Deepak Agashe has special plans for the girls. “I was in the Army before joining this institution and always wanted to do something for my people. When I heard of this particular project of the government,I was so inspired that I voluntary retired from the Army and willingly joined the school. Though I am ever ready to serve my nation if it needs me,I find immense satisfaction teaching girls all the skills that are considered male-dominated ones,” says Agashe.

The girls are trained in drill,shooting,guard of honor and other military skills. Apart from this,they pay due attention to activities dedicated to preserving our nation’s culture and traditions. “We start our day with prayers,which are followed by a talk by a student and a teacher. We also recite prayers before lunch and dinner,” says Shreni Sonniskar,a Std X student. “Along with the annual sports meet that consists of volleyball,dodge ball,throw ball and athletics,our cultural meet is also a lot of fun,” adds Sonniskar. “We have drawing,elocution and Rangoli competitions and also enjoy our annual gathering,” informs Gayatri of Std VI.