Rural youth in Okhamandal receive structured defence training support through Tata Chemicals

Ujas Dave, Head of CSR at Tata Chemicals, explains how the programme is helping aspirants prepare for careers in the Indian Armed Forces

Rural youth in Gujarat’s Okhamandal block are receiving structured preparation for careers in the Indian Armed Forces through a training initiative supported by Tata Chemicals. The programme is being implemented by the company’s CSR arm, Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development, in partnership with Ramshingbha Trust, also known as Manek Defence Academy.
The Armed Forces Training Programme was initiated during the 2024–25 financial year with the objective of supporting young aspirants from rural backgrounds who aim to join the Indian Armed Forces. The initiative focuses on systematic training while addressing affordability, a key barrier for many candidates in the region.

The first batch of the programme enrolled 12 candidates, of whom seven were selected for the Indian Army under the Agniveer scheme. In the current year, 27 candidates are undergoing training. One candidate has been selected for the Indian Air Force, while three candidates have cleared the written, physical, and medical examinations under the SSC GD category and are awaiting the final merit list. An additional 14 candidates have cleared the written examination and are preparing for subsequent stages of the selection process.
To support wider participation, the programme offers financial assistance through subsidised training fees. Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development has extended 75 percent fee support to candidates from SC and ST communities as well as women candidates, while candidates from other social categories receive 50 percent support. The model is intended to reduce financial constraints and enable sustained participation in the training process.

Commenting on the initiative, Ujas Dave, Head of CSR at Tata Chemicals, said that the collaboration is aimed at enabling rural youth in Okhamandal to access structured and affordable preparation for armed forces recruitment. He noted that the programme addresses both training quality and cost, helping aspirants improve their readiness for competitive selection processes.

The initiative forms part of Tata Chemicals’ broader efforts to support rural youth through targeted skill development and employment-oriented interventions, with a focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term placement alone.

At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.