John Aguiar
“When you’re truly meant for something, even setbacks become setups for bigger comebacks.”
It sounds like a line from a motivational book, yet for Colonel Dhondiraj Samant, it is simply the story of his life.
Raised in the quiet town of Ponda, Samant did not grow up with privilege or a clear-cut path into uniform. What he had instead was persistence. Today, after 26 years with the Indian Army, serving in the Corps of Engineers, he represents a rare blend of soldier, builder and scholar, someone who has defended the country’s borders while quite literally shaping its roads, bridges and infrastructure.
His journey into the armed forces was anything but straightforward. As a higher secondary student, he missed the National Defence Academy opportunity simply because he did not know enough about it. Later, after completing his BE in Mechanical Engineering, he cleared the Services Selection Board for the Air Force but was declared unfit due to a vision issue. Many would have accepted defeat. Samant briefly entered the corporate world, yet the desire to serve the nation never left him. He tried again, appeared for the SSB once more, and in December 1999 was finally commissioned into the Army.
Early in his service, he served as a UN peacekeeper in Ethiopia and Eritrea, providing vital engineering support to both Indian and foreign troops. Soon after, during Operation Parakram, he participated in one of the largest demining efforts along the Punjab border following the Parliament attack, laying thousands of mines to secure the western front. It was demanding, dangerous work that required precision and nerves of steel.
Much of his contribution, however, has been about building rather than destroying. With the Border Roads Organisation, he worked extensively in the North East, helping develop critical routes such as the Silchar Imphal Highway and key roads in Mizoram. In remote regions where a road can mean access to healthcare, trade and education, these projects changed lives.
He later took on strategic infrastructure roles near Nathula Pass in Sikkim and commanded an Engineer Regiment in the Uri sector, constructing anti infiltration obstacles along the Line of Control. Whether at high altitude or in dense forests, the mission remained the same: protect and connect.
Yet what makes Samant stand out is not just operational experience but his commitment to learning. A graduate of IIT Delhi with an M Tech in Thermal Engineering, he later pursued financial management and is currently working towards a PhD at IIT Mandi, researching Environment, Social and Governance practices. Colleagues often call him a scholar warrior, equally at ease in classrooms and command posts.
Despite his decorated résumé, he remains grounded and deeply connected to his roots. When speaking to young people in Goa, his advice is practical rather than lofty: Start early, join the NCC, build stamina through trekking, cycling and water sports an stay mentally tough. Watch recruitment notifications carefully. Preparation, he says, turns dreams into plans.
Today, as director recruiting in Himachal Pradesh, he guides hundreds of young aspirants towards military service, including through the Agnipath scheme. For him, mentoring the next generation feels as meaningful as any posting.
From the small streets of Ponda to snowbound passes and international missions, Samant’s story is not just about rank or medals. It is about quiet determination, second chances and a lifelong commitment to serving something larger than oneself.
