Military Apshinge is a village in Satara district of Maharashtra. The reason for being military in name itself is the spirit to serve the country. A soldier from every household is serving in the Army or in the Border Security Force. The tradition that started with Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army continues even today. Over 1,650 Jawans from this village have served in the army and other security forces.
Many have become martyrs for the country
During the First World War during the British period, 46 soldiers of this village were martyred. Because of this, the British had named this village as Military Apshinge. In World War II also, four people of this village were martyred. Four soldiers were martyred in the 1962 war against China and one each in the 1965 and 1971 Pakistan wars. By the way, people from many villages of Satara district have gone to the army and security forces.
This jawan is working in Maratha Regiment, Mahar Regiment, Engineer Regiment, Madras Regiment. Apart from this, a large number of soldiers from the district are serving in the Navy, Air Force, BSF, CRPF and other security forces.
Military tradition in Aapshinge
Shankarrao Deshmukh, who retired from the army as Captain, says that the way a teacher’s son becomes a teacher and an engineer’s son becomes an engineer, Aapshinge has a military tradition on the same lines. People in the village have very little agriculture. Because of this, at least one boy from every household joins the security forces. Six people from some houses are working in the army or other security forces.
Children are given training to join the army in the schools itself. Children are made to practice parade and drill in Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Vidyalaya in Military Apshinge village. The village’s motto is “Ithe Ghaadti veer jawan (Here brave soldiers are made).” Retired Captain Laxman Karande, 81, is also in the army in the fourth generation. His nephew Vishwas Karande rose to the rank of Major General. 23 members of the family are still serving in the army. They say that the urge to serve the country is in our blood.
Satara to Apshinge Distance – 15 KM
Apshinge Pin Code – 415511
Percentage of Maharashtra in Indian Army – 20 to 30%