Battalion Cadet Captain Bhawani Singh -- winner of the President's Gold Medal for overall merit.

Squadron Cadet Captain Y Pramod, seen here receiving his Silver Medal from Vice-Admiral Puri.

Academy Cadet Adjutant A S Mehta -- winner of the Bronze Medal.

A resident of Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh, Pramod, 20, was in Class X during the Kargil war in 1999. His parents and friends told him to seek admission elsewhere and look for more options outside the Sainik School that he attended.

"But he told us that people die anywhere -- in accidents, hospitals, at home -- but there is no greater good than dying for the country," said his mother standing beside him on the lawn after the parade.

"He said I will be here," added his businessman father, "I will not go out looking for other avenues."

A naval cadet, Pramod will begin training on a ship in Kochi a month from now. "I want to be in the submarines," says the polite and impeccably mannered silver medallist. "It will be a lot of hard work, but hard work gives enjoyment."

His greatest encouragement came from his elder brother, a software engineer in Columbus, Ohio. At a time when India's youth are often seen running after quick, well paying jobs, Pramod said his brother motivated him and told him to pursue a career in the armed forces.

Also read: Guardians of Peace