My family has been associated with the military -- my father was in the army -- so for them and me it is a great privilege and prestige. I feel great.

I am posted at Guwahati, and was calling my unit every two or three days. Every time I rang them up, my fellow officers would ask me about my position and were impressed with my achievement.

When you hear your name being called out on the loudspeaker during the parade it is a proud moment.

As told to Josy Joseph