Chhattisgarh’s remote village girl makes it to Indian Army

RAIPUR: Hailing from a common farmer’s family and a remote village of Chhattisgarh, 24-year-old Veena Sahumade it to Indian Army in Military Nursing Service (MNS). Veena is second among five sisters and it’s the first time that the family has seen a girl securing a govt job that too in Army.

Posted in Haryana, Veena is home after joining services and received a call from chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulating her for the achievement.

Veena is a resident of Jamarua village in Balod district and was selected for MNS in September.

She became the talk of town after an emotional video went all over social media that shows, she’s being welcomed by her parents and locals, and Veena in tears salutes her parents.

Speaking to TOI over a phone call, Veena said, “We are five sisters and it’s usually believed that the girls should be married off at the right age, but my father always boosted my confidence. Two of my sisters are also preparing for exam for govt job. I studied with them and made it to MNS.”

Life wasn’t easy for Veena as the family faced financial crisis but the will power was enough to keep rowing ahead. She completed her schooling from village to another, whichever provided further classes and would cycle several kilometres as a 12-year-old girl to another village to reach the school.

She completed her nursing course in 2022 and appeared for tests in 2024 after completing coaching. Veena said that she’s one among 1400 candidates for 455 posts, who appeared for the interview in Delhi.

“It was like Diwali celebration at home and village when I got selected and saw my father in tears for the first time. They were tears of pride and happiness. Many girls in our village have now become hopeful about their future and they feel inspired,” Veena said.