For the first time Preliminary Interview Board (PIB) exam 2021 for Territorial Army will be held in Dimapur on Sunday (September 26). Dimapur is one among 22 centres across the country that will conduct the TA exam.
The first batch of Naga youth who will be writing the exam at Dimapur Centre had an opportunity to interact with Lt. Col (Retd.) Doshehe Y. Sema and Maj. (Retd.) Vikuto Asumi on Saturday.
Aspiring to become officers in the Territorial Army, the first batch were motivated and encouraged by the two retired servicemen.
Interacting with those aspiring to become officers in the Territorial Army, Lt. Col. Doshehe called upon the youth to be sincere and focused on what they attempt to achieve in life and to be resolved to try again even if they are not successful in the first attempt.
Recalling how difficult it was in the yester years to pursue to become officers in the army due to lack of access to information and also having to travel long distances to appear for interviews and exams, Doshehe pointed out that these days things are much easier, with easy access to information and having an exam centre in Dimapur itself gives the Naga youth more advantage to prepare for such exams.
Doshehe, who is also a former minister, appreciated chief minister, Neiphiu Rio for being instrumental in the formation of Tri-services Coordination Committee on Recruitment in 2006. Through the formation of the committee 5 additional battalions including Territorial Army and Naga Regiment were raised and more than 10,000 Naga youth have been employed, which he said, was possible only because of the visionary leadership of Neiphiu Rio.
Nagaland state getting an exam centre was a result of long and tireless pursuit of 16-17 years led by chief minister Rio, Doshehe maintained.
The committee is also pursuing for raising of more battalions besides shifting of Naga Regimental Training Centre to Nagaland, establishing other centers including NCC Directorate in Nagaland, he added.
Also encouraging the first batch of PIB Dimapur Centre, Maj. Vikuto called upon them to be mentally strong and equip themselves with information in order to be able to compete with others. The former major of 1 Assam Regiment said there is no dearth of talent in Naga youth and therefore Nagas can be at par with others if not better if only there is determination and focus.
The two retired officers assured the youth of their guidance and support as they pursue their goal.