Watch: Dharavi Man Umesh Keelu Becomes Indian Army Officer Despite Hardships

Umesh Keelu, a youngster who grew up in Mumbai’s Dharavi slum, overcame obstacles to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. Lieutenant Keelu’s passing out procession took place on Saturday at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.

PRO Defence Mumbai celebrated Lieutenant Keelu’s accomplishment on X and shared a video of him from the parade.

PRO Defence Mumbai posted, “Meet Lieutenant Umesh Keelu as he becomes an officer in the #IndianArmy today. Growing up in a tough neighborhood of #Dharavi Mumbai, the officer has overcome many challenges & is all set to #ServeTheNation.”

“I am the first to become an officer of the Indian Army. Seeing me perhaps many others would be inspired to join the armed forces,” Umesh is saying in the video.

Umesh Keelu was born and raised in Mumbai’s Dharavi. He used to live with his family in a 10-by-five-foot home.

Keelu’s father, the family’s sole provider, worked as a painter to provide for the family. In 2013, his father suffered an acute stroke, paralysing him and exacerbating the family’s financial problems.

He worked hard and took a scholarship for his education to achieve his life goals. “I completed my education through scholarships during graduation and post-graduation. I worked in TCS for three years. I was simultaneously preparing for SSB. After 13 attempts, I made it to the armed forces,” Umesh said.

Umesh made a total of 12 attempts to pass the Services Selection Board (SSB) and attend the exclusive academy. His sick father died shortly after he began attending the academy. He travelled to Mumbai to perform the death rites before returning to the academy. Once back at the academy, he got into the grind, worked hard to accomplish his parents’ ambitions, and is now a commissioned officer in the Indian Army.