Arunachal Girl from Tibet Border Secures Sainik School Admission Through Army Mentorship
A significant accomplishment has been achieved by a 12-year-old girl from Sarli village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kurung Kumey district, as she has been granted admission to a Sainik School, facilitated by a mentorship program initiated by the Indian Army.
Milli Yabi, whose parents are a farmer and a homemaker, hails from the remote village of Sarli, situated near the Tibet border. This area is characterized by its limited educational and infrastructural resources. With a literacy rate of just 56.18% according to the 2011 Census, children in the region face limited opportunities.
In an effort to address this educational gap, the Army’s 4 Corps launched a structured mentorship program in 2024 targeting students in Classes 5 and 8. This program included 88 teaching sessions, 18 mock tests, and numerous counselling sessions, as well as a motivational tour where students met with Arunachal Pradesh Governor K.T. Parnaik and visited important institutions.
The results were impressive, with 32 out of 33 students successfully passing the national-level entrance exam. Milli distinguished herself by becoming the first student to gain admission to Sainik School East Siang in August 2025. The Army anticipates that several other students from this cohort will secure admission in subsequent rounds.
The Defence Ministry praised Milli’s success, describing it as a “symbol of resilience and aspiration.” The initiative was credited with enhancing academic performance while also fostering discipline, confidence, and national pride.
In a statement, the Ministry remarked, “Her journey demonstrates that with mentorship and opportunity, even the most remote villages can produce future leaders. One day, Milli may qualify for the NDA Khadakwasla and serve the nation in uniform.”
