Inspiring story of Om Paithane: An OLA Cab Driver becomes an Indian Army Officer

Googled image - Gentleman Cadet Om Paithane
Om Paithane used to drive an Ola cab in Pune till a retired colonel boarded his cab and inspired him to think big. The chance meeting with the retired colonel led to an introduction to Lt Col Ganesh Babu, Director, Armed Forces Officers' Selection Orientation Programe (AFOSOP), who guides the youth for joining armed forces.

The son of a security guard-cum-watchman, Om, is expected to pass out from the Chennai-based Indian Army's Officers' Training Academy (OTA) on March 10 2018. After his graduation, Paithane appeared for CDS exam and was invited for an SSB interview The retired officer was his constant source of inspiration, he says.

Gentleman Cadet Om Paithane was quoted saying
“My father was a driver who had lost both his legs in a road accident and was working as a watchman. I had to support the family while studying for final year BSc computer science but I got arrears. So I started to drive for Ola. One day, a retired colonel hired my cab. We started to talk and he told me about the combined defense services examination and the endless opportunities it brings.”

The news of Om Paithane's inspiring story went viral after an Indian Army Major tweeted



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