From Seismic Shock to Military Gold: The Remarkable Story of Arnaav Karan Chabria
How a 2015 earthquake turned into a lifelong lesson in resilience
In the humid jungles of Sabah, on a leadership adventure camp, a 6.0‑magnitude quake crumpled the trekking trail on June 5, 2015. Among the 29 Tanjong Katong Primary School students who braved that day were Arnaav Karan Chabria and his classmates, two teachers, and a seasoned Singaporean guide.
- Seven students, two teachers and a guide lost their lives in the after‑shock landslide.
- Arnaav, however, survived—only to be left with a broken collarbone, shoulder, upper arm, and an ear torn to bits.
From broken bones to a gold plated IPPT
Arnaav’s healing journey stretched over a year, filled with relentless physiotherapy, stiff exercises, and an unwavering determination. “I could barely do five push‑ups at first,” he laughed, “but I kept at it until I could do them again.”
Fast forward to the present: The 18‑year‑old is now sailing through Basic Military Training (BMT) with a gold award in the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT). His recovery isn’t just personal—he’s dedicated it to the quake’s victims, channeling that pain into a powerful tribute.
Why surviving a quake makes a soldier tougher
“If I could survive an eight‑hour trek after a geological snap-six with broken bones, I can put my shoulder through the hardest drills BMT throws at me,” Arnaav exclaimed. His mental fortitude has turned trauma into training advantage.
Lessons that go beyond the battlefield
Arnaav’s story is a testament to human endurance—showing that even when the earth shakes, the spirit can keep marching forward.
When you think about it, the only “S” in his name was for “Survivor.” But it’s the whole “S”—the unstoppable spirit that propels him beyond the battlefield.
