Army-mentored schoolgirl on Tibet border makes it to Sainik School

The Indian Army’s mentorship programme has helped a 12-year-old girl become one of the first students from a difficult-to-access region of Arunachal Pradesh to get into a Sainik School.

Milli Yabi, the daughter of a farmer and home-maker, is from Sarli village in the Kurung Kumey district bordering Tibet. The village of 340 people (2011 Census) is about 350 km northwest of the State’s capital, Itanagar.

Sarli has a literacy rate of 56.18% and its children have historically struggled with limited resources, infrastructure, and educational opportunities.

In 2024, the Army’s 4 Corps launched a mentorship programme for children of Sarli and beyond. The effort yielded results, highlighted by young Milli’s admission to the Sainik School in the State’s East Siang district in August.

She was among 33 students from Classes 5 and 8 who received structured support from Army personnel. The programme consisted of 88 classes, 18 mock tests, and extensive counselling from September 2024 to April 2025.

The students also benefitted from an Integration and Motivational Tour, where they interacted with Arunachal Pradesh Governor K.T. Parnaik and visited key institutions. The Army further assisted the students in documentation and escorted them to Itanagar for the entrance examination held in April 2025.

The results were unprecedented: 32 of the 33 children qualified at the national level. With counselling still underway, Milli emerged as the first candidate to secure admission to the Sainik School. The Army expects four to six others to gain admission in the upcoming rounds.

“The Indian Army takes immense pride in Milli’s achievement that symbolises the aspirations of border communities and the resilience of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth. Her journey demonstrates that with mentorship and opportunity, even the most remote villages can produce future leaders. One day, Milli may go on to qualify for the prestigious NDA Khadakwasla and proudly serve the nation in uniform,” a Defence Ministry statement said.

It further stated that the programme not only helped children academically but also instilled discipline, confidence, and national pride among them.

“Milli’s success is more than personal triumph—it is a symbol of resilience and a powerful reminder that with guidance and opportunity, even the most remote corners of India can nurture future leaders,” the statement added.