Tales of Villages with Legacies of Military Service

Scores of villages across India boast of a rich connection with the forces, having had people from across generations serve in them. HT chronicles four such villages, which take pride in this tradition and strive to continue it

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INCHAL, KARNATAKA

CONFLUENCE OF PRIDE, PATRIOTISM

In a tiny room in Karnataka's Inchal village, the banter wafts in the afternoon breeze. "Madras Regiment," says one veteran, his voice steady, shoulders proud. "Armoured corps," another replies, with the quiet confidence of someone who believes tanks trump infantry. It's less a disagreement and more a ritual—one that plays out among this group of men, bound not just by friendship, but service.

Then, a quieter voice chimes in: "This village has people in every arm — Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force — you name it." Inchal, home to just over 7,000 people, has more than 400 who served or are still serving in the armed forces and paramilitary. Here, uniformed service isn't just a career, it's inheritance.

As tensions flared between India and Pakistan earlier this month, Inchal followed every development with rapt attention, and a deep sense of personal connection. With over 100 villagers currently serving across the armed forces and paramilitary units, conflict echoed in almost every household.

"There's no fear in this village," said retired havaldar Basavanneppa Jakati, who served over 20 years in the 7 Field Artillery. "Most households have someone in the forces. We understand the job, its intricacies. The last thing a soldier needs is to worry about people back home. Instead, we send them strength."

Jakati remembers a time when three men from Inchal had joined the army in late 1980s. Their return in uniform — with stories of duty, discipline, and pride — pushed more people towards the forces. At the centre of that transformation is the Ex-Servicemen's Association, founded in 2006. The 200-strong group trains local aspirants in everything from recruitment procedures to life in the forces, ensuring that at least 10 young people join the services each year and becoming a catalyst for the residents of the village to join the military.