India, June 15 -- In a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir, Pranav Uppal, a native of a remote border village in the Chhamb area of Akhnoor near the Line of Control, has been commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a flying officer, marking a remarkable journey of resilience and dedication.

Coming from a humble background with no family history in the armed forces, Uppal's interest in the military was sparked during visits to his elder brother studying at Sainik School. Inspired by the discipline and values he encountered, he enrolled in the same school in Class 6, overcoming significant financial and logistical hurdles.

His passion for service, coupled with strong academic performance, led him to clear the National Defence Academy (NDA)...