Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur
In the quiet village of Hakumat Singh Wala situated on the outskirts of Ferozepur, a transformation is quietly unfolding, one that is shaping dreams, instilling discipline, and opening doors to new beginnings for hundreds of young men and women.
At the heart of this change is the C-PYTE camp, a training and employment centre that has gradually become a beacon of hope for the youth of the region. What once may have seemed like just another government initiative has today evolved into a space where ambition meets opportunity.
Sharing her thoughts, DC Deepshikha Sharma described the centre as a significant step towards empowering the youth, enabling them not only to secure jobs but also to become self-reliant. “The initiative, run by the Punjab Government, focuses on preparing young individuals for both employment and self-employment, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly competitive world”, said DC Sharma
Inside the camp, the routine is rigorous yet purposeful. Under the guidance of Camp Training Officer Captain Gurdarshan Singh, young aspirants undergo structured training that goes beyond textbooks. Physical drills begin at dawn, followed by sessions that build communication skills, personality, and discipline, qualities that often define success as much as technical knowledge.
Over the past year alone, 1,287 youth have undergone training at the camp. For many of them, it marked the first step towards a stable future. Around 270 have already secured employment—227 joining the Army as Agniveers, others finding their place in the Punjab Police, paramilitary forces, and various government departments, while some have ventured into self-employment, carrying with them the confidence nurtured within these grounds.
For others, the journey has taken different but equally promising routes. Specialised skill development courses, including security guard training under a government-backed programme, have opened pathways into institutions across Punjab. A few have learned to operate heavy machinery like JCBs, while others have stepped into the emerging field of drone operations after receiving professional training—skills that are steadily gaining relevance in modern industries.
Beyond numbers and placements, the real story of the C-PYTE camp lies in its impact—the quiet confidence in a young recruit’s walk, the determination in early morning drills, and the hope in families who see their children moving towards a better future.
