Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s grandson, Aditya, has begun his Basic Military Training in Singapore, marking the start of a compulsory phase of national duty required under the country’s laws. The 18-year-old is not voluntarily enlisting in the Singapore Armed Forces but is fulfilling Singapore’s mandatory National Service obligation, which requires eligible individuals to undergo two years of structured training aimed at developing discipline, endurance, and leadership skills.
The development was shared publicly by Aditya’s mother, Rohini Acharya, through a post on X. In her message, she expressed pride in her son’s decision and described him as fearless, disciplined, and determined. She said Aditya, her eldest child, left for Singapore shortly after completing his pre-university education and that the moment was deeply emotional for the family. According to her, true strength and character are often shaped through life’s most demanding experiences, and she conveyed confidence that the training would play a significant role in her son’s personal growth.
In her post, Acharya wrote that after completing his pre-university studies at the age of 18, Aditya had departed for Singapore to begin two years of Basic Military Training. She encouraged him to remain courageous and disciplined, adding that individuals are often forged through the toughest challenges life presents. She reassured him of the family’s continued love and support throughout the demanding journey ahead. Acharya has been residing in Singapore for several years along with her husband, Samaresh Singh.
It is important to clarify that Aditya has not joined the Singapore Armed Forces by choice, nor is he pursuing a military career. His participation in Basic Military Training is part of Singapore’s legally mandated National Service programme. Under this system, all male citizens and second-generation permanent residents are required to complete two years of full-time service upon reaching adulthood. The requirement is uniformly enforced, and failure to comply can lead to legal penalties.
National Service in Singapore can be carried out in multiple branches, including the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, or the Singapore Police Force. Regardless of the specific organisation to which an individual is assigned, the core objective remains the same: to instil discipline, physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
The Basic Military Training programme itself is designed to be rigorous and comprehensive. Recruits undergo intensive physical conditioning, structured drills, weapons familiarisation, field training exercises, and instruction in service values and ethics. Emphasis is placed on developing endurance, mental toughness, and the ability to function effectively as part of a team. Based on their performance, aptitude, and assessment during training, recruits are later assigned to operational or support roles across various service branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, or other national service units.
Aditya is the eldest child of Rohini Acharya, who is the second of nine children of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. His entry into Singapore’s National Service programme reflects the compulsory civic framework of the country rather than a personal or political choice, and it marks a significant milestone in his transition into adulthood.
