Dehradun, June 15 -- Lakshaman Rajaram, a taxi driver from Maharashtra's Washim, stood tall with pride on the campus of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on Saturday. His 34-year-old son, K. Shankar Lakshaman, who had served as a jawan in the Indian Army for 12 years, was commissioned as a Lieutenant after graduating from the prestigious military institute. "In 2012, I joined the Army as a jawan. I attempted to become the officer by appearing in the exam four times but failed each time. Whenever I felt like giving up, my father would say, 'Never step back. keep moving forward. Just work hard....I'll take care of the rest.' His words kept me going. I gave the fifth attempt, and finally, I was selected for IMA," Shankar said. His mother, Shobha, a homemaker, couldn't hold back her tears. "My husband drove a taxi for over 20 years. We couldn't afford to send our children to school by auto-rickshaw. They either walked or cycled to their government school," she said. Shankar's wife, Pooja Shankar Khasbage, and their young daughter, Gauri, were also present to witness the proud moment. His younger brother, 32-year-old Amol Lakshaman, is currently preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. "I hope he makes us proud too," said Lakshaman Rajaram. Reflecting on his journey, Shankar added, "Serving as a jawan taught me invaluable lessons. That is when I discovered the courage and leadership within me. My seniors encouraged me to aim higher. I have served in some of the most difficult areas over the past 12 years, and I will carry those experiences into my new role as an officer."...