Page 235 - Sanidhya 2025

Embracing Uncertainty

Reflections on Growing Up in the CRPF Family

The Illusion of Control:

Everyone has a story to tell. It is these stories that truly run Vivaswan Nawani
our world. They possess the power to bring people S/O Ballabh Chandra Sharma
DIG Trg. Dte., CRPF
together, connect with people through a shared
experience, inspire change, and immortalize a memory.

I, too, have a story to tell.
lives. Life on a CRPF campus is also a unique experience.
From the lens of a ward of a CRPF personnel, imagine
Forged by Uncertainty: having a group of children brought together by mere fate,
by a stroke of pen on their parent’s transfer document, and
Growing up, I studied in nine schools and constantly that too for a few years at max. Based on my experience, a
traveled from one part of the country to another every 2-3 strong sense of solidarity and community exists within the
years. I was born in NCR and have lived in places like J&K, extended CRPF family. We relate to one another more
Chhattisgarh, Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), Khonsa (Arunachal deeply and form connections more quickly. Holi parties at
Pradesh), Punjab, and many other known or lesser-known our CRPF camps, with everyone dancing to the ‘Brazil’
towns in India. Even after all these years, l cherish the song in the pool, are memories every CRPF brat can relate
memories I have made in these places. to. Then there’s Bada Khaana, the communal feast where
CRPF personnel and their families gather to share a meal,
I still remember the Nocte and Wancho tribe’s song I or the Republic Day Parades and Civic Action Programs
learned in Khonsa; I can read and write in Gurumukhi we’ve witnessed, where the CRPF supports local
thanks to the 2 years I spent in Jalandhar. It was In
Gadchoroli that I learned Marathi and developed a taste
for Puran Poli. A part of me belongs to all these places,
and they have made me who I am today.

It was not always easy; I made new friends everywhere I
went, but I had to leave them behind at the time of my
father’s transfer. In some schools, I fit right in, while in
others, it took more effort. Learning everything about my
surroundings from scratch was challenging, especially as a
kid still figuring out who I was. This gave me the skill to
adapt to my surroundings and be resilient. It made me
comfortable with initiating conversations with strangers
and building a connection with them. It also enhanced my
interpersonal skills; I think this is one reason why I enjoy
public speaking and addressing large groups of people.

I am sure it was always easier for me than for my parents.
My mother, in particular, stood as a pillar of strength,
managing our home and adapting to each new place as
my father dedicated himself to serving the nation. It is
these uncertain times that bring a family together and give
us the strength to face any challenges that lie ahead in our