THANE: Abhay Kadam (22) beamed with pride as his parents unveiled the stars on his lieutenant’s uniform at the Indian Military Academy’s passing out parade in Dehradun on Saturday.

The lanky lad from Thane’s Vartak Nagar could hardly keep his tears back as he held his head high and saluted his parents. His father, Dilip Kadam (47), drives an autorickshaw for a living, while his mother, Shalini ((40) is a housewife.

For Dilip, it was a dream come true as his elder son graduated from the military academy as a lieutenant, along with 600 other youths. He had pulled out his best suit for the passing out parade, while Shalini sported a brown and gold sari for the event held at the IMA grounds.

Abhay gave up a lucrative career in the corporate world last year to join the Indian Army. But his parents did not protest, in fact, his decision made them proud.

With two of his younger sisters still studying, and his father earning a meagre Rs 9,000-10,000 a month, Abhay’s aim has been to earn enough to provide the family with a better life. The Kadams live in a one-room house.

His dedication to his passion is inspiring for those around him. “I have seen Abhay dada slog it out when he has to achieve something. There is no one as dedicated and determined as him. I, too, will be sitting for competitive exams and get a government job as soon as I can. While I may not be able to serve my country like him, I will do what I can,” said his sister Sayli (18).

Abhay joined IMA in July 2013 for a one-and-a-half year programme after securing 193rd rank on the All India Merit list of the Combined Defence Services exam, results of which were announced by the UPSC in June 2013. He had completed his graduation in BSc (IT) from B N Bandodkar College, Thane, and got a job at Larsen and Tourbro. But he gave up the lucrative career to join the Indian Army. He has also been a Naval NCC cadet.

While preparing for SSB interviews at Pune’s Apex Careers, he received the guidance of retired Lt Col Pradeep Brahmankar and other faculty members. Brahmankar said, “Abhay is a humble, down-to-earth person and will be one of the finest officers of the Indian Army.”