Kot Sukhia (Faridkot), June 9 — For 24-year-old Akash Deep, life began in the shadows of brick kilns and paddy fields. Today, he stands on the threshold of becoming a commissioned officer, having cleared the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) exam — a feat that has sparked joy not just in his home, but across his entire village.
A resident of Kot Sukhia village near Kotkapura, Akash was born to Hakam Singh and Kuldeep Kaur, both daily wage labourers who toiled for years in brick kilns across Faridkot and Moga districts. The family lived in temporary labour shelters, struggling to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, Akash pursued his dream with quiet determination.
His selection to the NDA came as a moment of immense pride, though his family initially chose to keep it private until his training was underway. The news gained public attention only after Kotkapura MLA and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan visited the family recently to offer congratulations.
Speaking to reporters, Kuldeep Kaur, Akash’s mother, recalled the struggles that shaped her son’s early years. “He studied till Class X in our village’s government school and then completed Class XII at the government meritorious school in Mohali,” she said. “He worked alongside us in fields, kilns, and grain markets, but never gave up on his dream of becoming an officer.”
Akash joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) four years ago in a lower-rank position. Even then, he remained focused on advancing his career. “During his leaves, he would go straight to Chandigarh for coaching. He barely spent any time at home,” said Kuldeep. “I’m illiterate — I don’t even remember his rank. But I know he’s doing something that makes us proud.”
Now posted in Ahmedabad, Akash continues to inspire those back home. “After he joined the Air Force, we gave up labour work,” Kuldeep said emotionally. “Our younger daughter is pursuing her B.Ed. and wants to become a teacher.”
Akash’s father, Hakam Singh, expressed quiet pride. “He never complained, even when life was harsh. His discipline and dedication have brought light to our lives. We thank God for this day,” he said.
While the family prepares for a grand welcome when Akash returns on leave, they also hope his story will spark dreams in others. “We survived on labour and hope,” said Kuldeep. “May Akash’s journey show children from poor families that no dream is too distant.”
The achievement stands not just as a personal milestone but as a symbol of resilience — proof that with determination, even a kiln worker’s child can rise to lead the nation.
