Bihar's Chiriawan Village: A Lasting Symbol of National Pride
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Gaya, Dec 5 (NationPress) Against the picturesque backdrop of Gaya's hills, the distinctive Chiriawan village emerges as a place where the essence of patriotism is deeply ingrained in every family. Recognized as the 'village of soldiers', Chiriawan proudly carries an exceptional heritage of military service.
In this community, over 100 households have members actively serving in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The youth of the village are so fervent about enlisting in the armed forces that many pledge to remain unmarried until they fulfill this ambition, showcasing their unwavering resolve and dedication.
The cultural foundation of Chiriawan's military allegiance is rooted in its predominant population of Rajputs, a group with a longstanding tradition of military service.
Within numerous households, it is common to find generations of families who have served in the military, fostering a legacy of pride that continues to flourish. The younger generation, including women, are increasingly preparing for army enlistment.
The village’s philosophy is straightforward: either serve in the military or pursue a career in agriculture if military service isn't feasible.
Central to this military enthusiasm is the Devi Mata temple, revered as a source of divine support for those aspiring to join the armed forces. This temple, located in the village's core, is home to seven sisters and Bhairav Baba and is seen as a site of great spiritual strength.
According to locals, individuals who pray at the temple and train at the nearby grounds are destined to achieve their military goals. The youth, driven by faith in divine assistance, pay their respects to the goddess before each training session, committing themselves to serve their nation.
Monu Kumar, an aspiring soldier, attributes his determination to the blessings of Devi Mata. He shared that every soldier from Chiriawan who has received blessings at the temple has successfully joined the forces, with the tradition of remaining unmarried until enlistment being upheld.
Alok Ranjan, a recent participant in the Agniveer program, echoed a success story, crediting his enlistment to the temple's blessings and expressing immense pride in realizing his dream of serving in the army.
The military legacy of Chiriawan is further highlighted by the accounts of retired personnel like Shiv Shankar Singh, who dedicated 30 years to service before retiring with the honorary rank of Lieutenant.
He reminisced that family gatherings of soldiers from the village resemble the assembly of a battalion, illustrating the extent of military service within the community.
Singh, who enlisted in 1993, remarked on the strong work ethic among the village's youth, who frequently engage in physical training and coaching to prepare for recruitment. He also emphasized that the blessings of Devi Mata have been instrumental in the village's military achievements, with several residents advancing to officer ranks, including Lieutenants, Colonels, and senior roles in the Navy and Air Force.
Chiriawan village, with its steadfast commitment to military service, stands as a testament to the influence of tradition, faith, and dedication. The youth of this village embody the spirit of sacrifice and service for their nation, with each generation perpetuating the proud legacy of those who came before them.
As this village continues to nurture soldiers, it remains a brilliant example of how patriotism can shape not only individual lives but also the very identity of an entire community.
