The flight to success

Seventeen-year-old Nikhil Prabhune is a step closer to his dream of becoming an aviator thanks to his standing 17th in the All India NDA merit list this year
The National Defence Academy, the flag bearer of courage and discipline has stood as a colossal figure with its stories of valour and chivalry as the benchmark for all who are a part and parcel of this prestigious institute.
Nikhil Jayant Prabhune, an NDA aspirant, who cracked the All India NDA merit list and stood 17th, has woven one such dream for himself, a dream of becoming a pilot.
The examination, which is conducted all through out the country, consists of written examinations, along with service selection board (SSB) and a medical test. “Once we clear these basic requirements, we are through,” adds the 17-year-old, a student of the Rastriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun. An avid squash player, Nikhil who is also a trained tabla player, opines, “I am planning to join Naval Aviation. I intended to become an Airforce pilot, but because I could not get through my medicals, I have decided to become a Naval Aviator.”
17/06/08 Meghalee Nath/Pune Newsline