by Rahul Kumar
Gaya: Chiriyawan village, located in Gaya district of Bihar, is renowned for its strong spirit of patriotism and a deep-rooted commitment to the armed forces. Known as the “village of soldiers,” this unique village is home to a remarkable tradition where young men and women take a solemn oath not to marry until they join the army.
Nestled among the hills, Chiriyawan village is not just a place of scenic beauty, but also a hub of military ambition. The village has a long history of army service, with more than 100 residents currently serving in the Indian Armed Forces. In fact, every household in Chiriyawan has at least one soldier, and some families boast of having served in the army for multiple generations.
The passion to serve the country runs deep in this community. The youth here, both men and women, work relentlessly to fulfill their dreams of joining the army. In addition to their agricultural activities, many young villagers dedicate themselves to rigorous physical and mental training to prepare for army recruitment.
A notable tradition in Chiriyawan is the youth’s unwavering commitment to the army. Before embarking on any preparations, young men and women visit the local Devi Mata temple, seeking her blessings for success in their journey to the armed forces. It is believed that the blessings of Goddess Mata are integral to their success in the army.
Monu Kumar, a young man from the village preparing to join the army, shared, “Before we start our training, we visit the Mata’s temple and take her blessings. The tradition is clear — no marriage until we join the army. This dedication and the blessings of the goddess are the secrets behind our success.”
Alok Ranjan, another village youth who recently joined the army through the Agniveer scheme, echoed similar sentiments. “I too took the blessings of Goddess Mata before beginning my journey, and now I am in the army. Many youth from Chiriyawan have reached the army through hard work and dedication, and it fills me with pride to continue this legacy.”
The village’s commitment to the army is further exemplified by the story of Shankar Singh, a retired Lieutenant Colonel. Having served in the Indian Army for 30 years, Singh spoke fondly of the village’s military culture. “Chiriyawan is known for its dedication and loyalty to the army. When soldiers from this village gather for any occasion, it feels like a battalion has assembled. The youth here have risen to ranks like soldiers, lieutenants, and even colonels. Many of us have retired with pride after serving our country.”
Shankar Singh, who joined the army in 1993 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after three decades of service, expressed his hope for the continued success of the village’s tradition. “Our dream is to see even more young men and women from Chiriyawan join the army, navy, and air force, contributing to the service of our nation.”
The deep-rooted military tradition of Chiriyawan village is a testament to the dedication and discipline instilled in its youth. It is a place where patriotism, hard work, and divine blessings come together to create generations of soldiers dedicated to serving the nation.
