From remote Arunachal villages to Sainik School: Army mentorship transforms children’s futures

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 6, 2025

In Sarli, a remote tribal village nearly 350 km from Itanagar—where poor infrastructure and scarce opportunities have long challenged children—a new wave of hope has emerged through the Indian Army’s mentorship programme under Spear Corps. The initiative is transforming aspirations into achievements, guiding students toward national integration and academic success.

Among them, 12-year-old Milli Yabi, daughter of a farmer and a homemaker, has become the first child from Sarli to secure admission to Sainik School Siang. Her achievement, shaped by determination and the Army’s sustained guidance, has become a beacon of inspiration for border communities.

Recognising the motivation of children influenced by the presence of soldiers, the Indian Army launched the mentorship programme in 2024. The structured initiative included counselling sessions for parents on the role of Sainik Schools, screening of candidates, and shortlisting 33 students from Sarli and neighbouring villages. Comprehensive coaching was provided through 88 classes and 18 tests, along with continuous mentoring.

The Army also assisted with registration, documentation, and access to government benefits. State integration tours exposed the children to the Governor, Army establishments, and Sainik Schools, while logistical support ensured students could travel to Itanagar for the entrance examination on April 5, 2025.

Out of the 33 mentored students, 32 qualified at the national level, while eight cleared multiple entrance tests. With counselling still underway, Milli has already secured admission, and four to six more children are expected to follow in the coming months.

Parents have expressed gratitude to the Army, noting that the programme not only provided academic support but also instilled discipline, confidence, and a sense of national pride in their children.

Milli’s success is more than a personal triumph. It stands as a symbol of resilience—and proof that with opportunity and guidance, even the most remote corners of Arunachal Pradesh can nurture future leaders. The Army has reaffirmed its commitment to nation-building, ensuring that villages like Sarli are defined not by isolation, but by aspiration and achievement.