A Soldier In Spirit: 13-Year-Old Displaced Manipur Boy Tries To Join Army Recruitment Rally
Organised by the 165 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army, the rally attracted more than a thousand young Army aspirants. Image courtesy: X.com/@Spearcorps
13 is an age when most teens are busy studying for their next unit test or just excited about entering high school. But not all kids are the same. At an age when most children lean on the security of home and family, 13-year-old Abraham Pausiankap, displaced by Manipur’s ongoing ethnic violence, displayed extraordinary courage.
Being called a young patriot now, Pausiankap’s story became viral on social media after he appeared for an Army recruitment rally a few days back. Living with his family in a relief camp in Churachandpur, the boy attempted to join an Army recruitment rally, hoping to support his parents and uphold his family’s legacy of military service.
Abraham, the son and grandson of Indian Army veterans, is among thousands who fled their homes due to the conflict that has gripped Manipur for nearly two years. A Class 7 student of Bijang Loubuk Government Junior High School, he arrived at the rally determined to follow the path of the soldiers he admired.
13-year-old’s attempt to join Army: Why it stood out at the TA rally?
The Territorial Army recruitment rally held last month on November 24, 2025 at the 37 Assam Rifles Headquarters drew over a thousand young aspirants. But it was the underage boy’s presence, quiet, determined, and resolute, that moved everyone present. His photograph, taken during the rally organised by the 165 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), Assam, went viral, drawing unprecedented attention to his story.
Despite not meeting age or height criteria, his unwavering spirit won the admiration of troops, officers, and citizens across the country.
How did the Army respond to his grit?
After his photo spread across social media, Abraham was invited to meet the Brigadier of 27 Assam Rifles in Tuibong. His story soon reached Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, GOC Spear Corps, who personally felicitated him and ensured his full admission to the Assam Rifles Public School (ARPS).
Indian Army’s Spear Corps shared on X, “Displaced by violence in Chandel, 13-year-old Master Abraham rose above adversity with quiet resolve. His photo at a TA rally moved many. Assam Rifles stepped in, securing his admission to ARPS… Abraham now walks a path of hope, honouring his legacy and chasing his dreams.”
An official present at the rally noted, “His courage and willingness to serve the nation touched everyone. His presence reminded us that dreams are driven not by age, but by the heart behind them.”
What drives this young hopeful soldier
Abraham, originally from Sugnu Lokhijang village in Chandel district, has lived in a relief camp since May 2023. His father, a former Assam Regiment soldier, retired on medical grounds, while his grandfather also served in the Army. Known for his passion for football, Abraham previously played in Kakching district’s U-10 category.
Even in the relief camp, he continued training towards his dream of donning the uniform.
Daily hardship strengthened his resolve. With his parents struggling as daily wage labourers, Abraham independently decided to attempt the rally. Fellow villagers assumed he was simply accompanying older aspirants, unaware of his intention to participate. His determination, though leading to ineligibility at this time, has left a deep impression on both the Army and the civilian community.
In a region grappling with displacement and unrest, Abraham’s gesture stands as a reminder of the enduring faith the youth place in the Indian Army.
