Pune auto driver’s son picks his Lieutenant rank today

Krishnant Gholap (22), a Pune autorickshaw driver’s son, will be commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun on Saturday.

Krishnant, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), passed out with a BSc degree from the premier academy last year. Krishnant will be joining an infantry regiment on January 1, 2012.

Speaking to DNA from Dehradun on Friday morning, Krishnant said, “I am extremely happy today. My four-year dream of becoming an army officer is coming true. It has been an interesting journey.’’

Krishnant’s parents, Chandrakant and Shubhangi, who were enroute Dehradun on Friday, spoke to DNA over the telephone.

The Nana Peth-based Chandrakant, who has been driving an autorickshaw for a living for the last 28 years said, “This is the proudest moment of my life. To be able to witness a passing out parade where my only son will be commissioned as an army officer is a dream come true.”

Shubhangi, who runs a small tailoring unit from their home, sounded very happy. “I am just waiting to reach Dehradun to see my son. Khup anand hot aahe. Tyaani aamchi iccha purna keli (I am very happy. Our son has made our wish come true),” she said.

Krishnant completed standard X from the New English School, Ramanbaug, and standard XII from Poona College in Nana Peth.