For the youths in Koraput and nearby districts who want to join the Indian Army or the police, Rajesh Kumar Sahu, a havildar with the Koraput OSAP 3rd battalion, is the ‘go-to’ trainer.
Sahu knows it the hard way that getting a job in the police or the Indian Army is a hard row to hoe. Born in a poor family, Sahu toiled hard to get a job in the police department. Then he took a vow that he wouldn’t let the youths’ dream of joining the police or the Indian army goes asunder.
He decided to train the youths in such a way that they wouldn’t fail when they appear for any kind of physical test. A determined Sahu transformed his thought into reality and set up a training centre in 2017 and started imparting physical training to the aspirants free of cost.
The centre runs from the ground of Vikram Deb (Autonomous) College in Koraput’s Jeypore town.
Later, he decided to provide the aspirants with academic training so that they would qualify the written test. For this, he sought the help of an organization named SIWA.
As physical and academic training were given free of cost, Sahu’s camp soon became the most sought-after training camp in the locality.
Young men and women joined the camp in numbers.
In recent days, Sahu’s demand, as well as popularity, has risen significantly after 30 out of 42 candidates from his camp cleared both physical and written tests in constable recruitment exams conducted by the Koraput district police recently.
“The form fill-up was held in January, the written test in February and the physical test was held in March. Yesterday the merit list arrived and I have been selected for the post of civil constable of the Odisha Police. I am happy now as my dream of a defence job has come true,” said Priyadarshini Tripathy, who was trained by Sahu.
“After being selected for a government job, my happiness knows no bounds. This success has dwarfed the joy of passing Matric, Plus II and Plus III. My parents are also happy,” said Sanjeeb Khara, Sahu's student.
“This year, we gave a 100-day package to 42 youths. The result is before you,” said Krishna Chandra Das, member, SIWA.
A retired police officer, Shantanu Mohanty termed the achievement as a proud moment for the district. “I have no words for constable Rajesh Kumar Sahu. I wish him good health and long life so that he can continue his job and create many policemen,” said Mohanty.
Expressing his happiness, Sahu said, “In the last phase, a total of 22 youths were selected. This time, 42 youths from my camp participated. Of them, 30, including two girls, have been selected. I can say it is a great success for me.”