"Be positive in your outlook. You can do anything if you believe in yourself....."
Newly-Commissioned Lieutenant Agnes Prafulla Menezes from Salmar, Karkala tells our community's youngsters

Profile and interview by Richie Lasrado  - exclusively for Daijiworld.com

As one out of the college just three years ago, she could be the youngest Mangalorean to become a Lieutenant in the Indian Army, although there have been military doctors holding such ranks. Simple-looking though, she has a mature head on her shoulders and a set philosophy and mindset about her. A rare blend of tender nature and tough will-power perhaps.

She is just a picture perfect of self-confidence, daring, determination and dedication. It is simply difficult to believe that she has been through the rigorous training required for Army selection, and that she got through in a single attempt, while many of her contemporaries have had to appear even four or five times.

Agnes Prafulla Menezes - 'Agnes' to her friends from Mangalore and 'Prafulla' to everyone back home - is in a class of her own. She has been an accomplished Indian classical dancer, a Hindustani violinist, a keen volleyball and ball badminton player, a student of subjects like Criminology and Rural Development, a Psychology lecturer - and, now, a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army.

Her decision to join the Armed Forces may have raised many eyebrows. But it is to the credit of her parents, brothers and other family members that they have all along encouraged her to the core. Pray, how many of our present-day parents would approve of such a decision on the part of their son, the least from their daughter, and risk being branded mavericks?

In this era of parental CET-mania, Prafulla is feeling proud about her parents and siblings for their support to her unconventional choice of a career. Presenting an amazing contrast she feels thrilled to go to the North East on her maiden posting, while at the same time swearing her unflinching attachment towards the family.

Prafulla is clear-cut in her opinions. She makes no bones about seeking a change in the modern-day parents' obsession with seeing their progeny become only doctors and engineers.

In essence, Prafulla, as her name says, is a blossoming young Army officer doing her parents, family, community and country proud.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview she gave to Daijiworld.com:

What made you take up a profession in the defence forces?

It was sheer self-motivation. Right from my childhood, I always had an ambition to see myself as a police officer. And I looked forward to an ambitious career.

What was the response from your family members when they came to know of your decision to join the armed forces?

My parents have great faith in me. They have always inspired me to excel in everything I do. When I had to attend the Services Selection Board interview, my eldest brother travelled with me. My second brother too motivated me and gave me moral support.

"Pipping ceremony" - a moment of pride for the parents and the daughter

How did you find the army training?

It was well-planned and systematic, and at the same time, rigorous.

What is your immediate assignment and how do you feel about it?

I am being posted to Tanga Valley in Arunachal Pradesh in the North East. I feel thrilled and am very enthusiastic about it. I will be working as an education officer in the adm