The adage “where there’s a will, there’s a way” perfectly sums up the story of 12-year-old Mili Yabi, who secured admission to Sainik School Siang. Hailing from the remote tribal village of Sarli in Arunachal Pradesh, Mili’s inspiring story is a testament to how determination, hard work, and the right guidance can transform a life.
Sarli, a remote border village located about 350 km from Itanagar, is home to around 1,500 people who live in relative isolation with limited access to educational facilities.
Recognizing the growing enthusiasm among children and youth to join the Indian Armed Forces, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps launched a comprehensive mentorship initiative in May 2024. This program aims to prepare students from border villages for the Sainik School entrance examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Under this programme, 33 students from Classes 5 and 8 across remote villages were identified and given structured support that included 88 classes, 18 mock tests, and extensive counselling between September 2024 and April 2025. Students also benefitted from an Integration and Motivational Tour, where they interacted with the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and visited key institutions.
The Army further assisted in documentation and escorted students to Itanagar for the entrance exam in April 2025, a statement from the army spokesperson stated. Out of the 32 of the 33 children qualified at the national level.
With counselling still underway, Milli Yabi emerged as the first candidate to secure admission, achieving final selection to Sainik School East Siang on 18 August.
“The Indian Army takes immense pride in Milli Yabi’s achievement, which symbolises the aspirations of border communities and the resilience of Arunachal’s youth. Her journey demonstrates that with mentorship and opportunity, even the most remote villages can produce future leaders,” the spokesperson stated.