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In Short: Hope from the Border
In a remote village near the India-China border, a remarkable story of hope and determination has emerged. Twelve-year-old Milli Yabi from Sarli village in Arunachal Pradesh has become the first child from her community to gain admission to the prestigious Sainik School East Siang.
Crucially, her success is the direct result of a unique mentorship program launched by the Indian Army’s Spear Corps. This initiative provided comprehensive coaching, counselling, and logistical support to students in this isolated region. Out of 33 students mentored from border villages, an unprecedented 32 qualified nationally, with Milli leading the way. Her achievement symbolizes the resilience and aspirations of rural India, consequently showing how structured guidance can open doors even in the most challenging environments. With more students preparing to follow her path, Milli’s journey is truly inspiring hope and transforming futures in one of the country’s most remote regions.
The Spear Corps Mentorship Initiative: Unprecedented Results
Milli Yabi, a 12-year-old girl from Sarli, a remote village on the India-China border, secured admission to Sainik School East Siang. Thus, this milestone, achieved with the unwavering support of the Indian Army, is a beacon of hope for Sarli’s community, which previously had few pathways to such prestigious opportunities.
Recognizing the immense potential in local youth, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps launched a comprehensive, year-long mentorship initiative in May 2024. Specifically, thirty-three motivated students from classes 5 and 8, hailing from isolated border villages, were selected for the program.
During the year, these students received intensive, structured support, including:
- 88 Dedicated Coaching Sessions
- 18 Rigorous Mock Tests
- Ongoing Personalised Counselling
- Exposure Visits (including a meeting with the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh)
- Full Documentation and Travel Support for the entrance examination.
The result was unparalleled: 32 out of 33 students qualified at the national level. Furthermore, eight candidates cleared multiple entrance examinations.
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Milli’s Success: A Symbol of Resilience
Despite Sarli village’s geographical isolation and limited educational infrastructure, the local children are profoundly motivated. This is because they are inspired by the consistent presence and inspiring example of Indian Army personnel.
The success of 12-year-old Milli Yabi—who secured final admission to Sainik School East Siang on August 18, 2025—is far more than a personal academic triumph. Instead, it embodies the tenacity and high aspirations of border communities. It also clearly showcases the transformative power of dedicated mentorship. Her parents, who initially harbored reservations about sending their daughter far from home, now express immense pride and gratitude. Ultimately, the Indian Army describes her achievement as a powerful symbol of Arunachal’s resilient youth and a testament to the strength of community support and the “Nation First” approach.
Source: PRAG NEWS
Nurturing Future Leaders: Next Steps and Broader Impact
With Milli’s admission confirmed, the Army remains optimistic that an additional four to six candidates from the region will gain entry in future selection rounds. Therefore, her accomplishment is already a beacon, inspiring more children in remote villages to pursue similar paths. As a result, this initiative is effectively building a foundation. It may potentially lead to increased selection for the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla, consequently securing a stream of future leaders for the armed forces from India’s far-flung frontiers.
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Summary of Achievement
| Metric | Detail | Impact |
| Program Start | May 2024 (by Spear Corps) | Strategic, proactive engagement by the Army. |
| Students Mentored | 33 (from classes 5 & 8, border villages) | Focus on empowering the most underserved youth. |
| National Qualification | 32 out of 33 students | An unprecedented success rate for competitive exams. |
| First Admission | Milli Yabi to Sainik School East Siang (Aug 2025) | First child from remote Sarli to achieve this feat. |
| Broader Goal | Grooming candidates for NDA Khadakwasla. | Converting border communities into nurseries for future national leaders. |
FAQs: The Spear Corps Mentorship Initiative
Q1: What inspired the students, like Milli Yabi, to aim for Sainik School East Siang?
Primarily, the Indian Army’s constant presence, their inspiring example of service, and the direct mentorship initiative motivated Milli and other children in the border village of Sarli to aim for a career in the Armed Forces.
Q2: How did the Army’s structured mentorship program achieve such high results?
The success stems from a comprehensive package of 88 preparatory classes, 18 mock tests, and extensive one-on-one counselling. In addition, exposure tours and crucial logistical support (documentation and travel) directly addressed and overcame the resource barriers unique to remote villages.
Q3: How many total admissions are anticipated from this batch?
Milli Yabi is the first confirmed admission. However, the Army remains hopeful that an additional 4–6 children from this mentored batch will secure admission in the upcoming rounds of counselling.
Q4: What does Milli’s success mean for the Sarli and other remote communities?
Her achievement is a powerful symbol of new possibilities. Therefore, it instils pride, validates the importance of education, and is actively shifting the mindset regarding opportunity and potential among the youth in these remote border regions.
