Over the past decade, Bollywood has undergone a noticeable transformation in the kind of stories it brings to the big screen. While romantic dramas and family sagas once dominated mainstream cinema, a growing number of films now focus on the courage, discipline, and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. Movies such as Lakshya, URI: The Surgical Strike, Shershaah, Raazi, and, more recently, Fighter have captured national attention by highlighting the lives of soldiers, intelligence officers, and fighter pilots who serve the country under extraordinary circumstances.
For audiences, these films provide gripping cinematic experiences filled with action, emotion, and patriotism. For young students, however, these stories often carry a deeper significance. They plant a seed of curiosity and inspiration—one that makes many young viewers begin to ask an important question: What does it take to wear the uniform and serve the nation?
Films like Lakshya portray the transformation of an aimless young man into a determined Army officer, illustrating how discipline and purpose can shape an individual’s destiny. Shershaah, based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, vividly depicts the courage of young officers during the Kargil War and reminds audiences that the heroes of the battlefield are often individuals barely in their twenties. URI: The Surgical Strike introduced viewers to the precision and professionalism of modern military operations, while Fighter brought renewed attention to the role of India’s air warriors.
These stories resonate strongly with young minds across the country, particularly among students who are at a stage in life where they are actively searching for purpose and direction.
This influence is increasingly visible among students from the Northeastern region of India.
The Northeast has always possessed qualities that align naturally with the ethos of military service—resilience, discipline, physical endurance, and a deep sense of pride in the nation. Over the years, the region has produced remarkable soldiers whose courage continues to inspire generations.
One of the most inspiring figures is Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse from Nagaland, who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his extraordinary bravery during the Kargil War. During a critical operation in extremely difficult terrain, he reportedly removed his boots to climb a steep cliff and continue leading his troops forward. His sacrifice remains one of the most powerful examples of courage in the history of the Indian Army.
Another legendary story from the region is that of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, remembered for his heroism during the 1962 Indo-China War. Stationed in the harsh conditions of Arunachal Pradesh, his determination in defending his position against overwhelming odds has become part of military folklore. Even today, his memory is honoured by soldiers stationed in that region.
Similarly, Havildar Hangpan Dada from Arunachal Pradesh, who was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra in 2016, demonstrated exceptional bravery during a counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir. His story is a reminder that courage and dedication to the nation are qualities deeply rooted in the communities of the Northeast.
These examples show that the Northeast has long been an integral part of India’s defence narrative. Yet, despite this strong legacy, many talented students in the region are not always fully aware of the pathways available to pursue a career in the armed forces.
Examinations such as the National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), and AFCAT provide opportunities for young individuals to join the officer ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. However, succeeding in these examinations requires structured preparation, conceptual clarity, and proper guidance.
In recent years, an interesting trend has begun to emerge. Increasingly, students approach mentors and teachers after watching a film about the armed forces. What begins as a discussion about a movie soon evolves into serious questions about defence examinations, officer training academies, and the discipline required to serve the nation.
As someone who works closely with defence aspirants, I encounter this curiosity regularly. Many students come forward after watching films like Shershaah or URI, expressing admiration for the officers they see on screen. They want to understand how those individuals reached that position and what steps they themselves can take to follow a similar path.
It is at this stage that inspiration must be transformed into preparation.
The heroism portrayed in films represents the final outcome of years of effort—long hours of academic study, physical training, mental resilience, and unwavering discipline. The journey to becoming an officer is demanding, but it is also immensely rewarding for those who are willing to commit themselves fully to the goal.
At Abhigyan Academy in Guwahati, where I work with students preparing for examinations such as NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF, this transformation from inspiration to aspiration is something we witness frequently. Many students arrive with the initial spark of patriotism and curiosity sparked by stories they have encountered through films or media.
Our role as educators is to nurture that spark and guide students through the structured preparation required to achieve their goals. Through focused classes, regular mock tests, and continuous mentorship, students gradually develop the academic strength and confidence needed to pursue careers in the armed forces.
For the youth of the Northeast, this journey holds a deeper significance. Every student from the region who joins the defence services contributes not only to national security but also to strengthening the connection between the region and the broader national fabric.
Representation plays a powerful role in shaping aspirations. When young students see individuals from their own communities serving as officers and soldiers, it reinforces the belief that they too can achieve similar milestones.
Cinema may compress years of struggle and preparation into a few powerful scenes, but its impact should not be underestimated. By bringing stories of bravery and sacrifice into the public imagination, films help remind society of the honour associated with serving the nation.
If even a handful of students from the classrooms of the Northeast move from watching stories of courage on screen to creating their own stories of service in real life, then the influence of those films will have extended far beyond entertainment.
Cinema may light the spark.
Education, mentorship, and perseverance transform that spark into a life dedicated to the service of the nation.
Swapnaneel Sharma Mazumder is a Defence Examination Educator at Abhigyan Academy, Guwahati. He can be reached at: [email protected]