27-year-old Amazon engineer gives up Rs 46 lakh package to fulfil Army dream

Shardendu Tiwari, 27, has been commissioned into the Indian Army at OTA Gaya after leaving a Cloud Engineer role at Amazon and an Airbus opportunity. His journey, shaped by his father's service and repeated setbacks, reflects his choice of duty and service over a lucrative corporate career.Amazon engineer Shardendu Tiwari leaves Rs 46 lakh job to join Army (Image: X@PRO Defence Prayagraj)At 27, Shardendu Tiwari had a lucrative job at Amazon, an annual package of nearly Rs 46 lakh and an opportunity with Airbus. But the dream he had carried since childhood was worth more than any paycheck, serving in the Indian Army.A native of Lucknow, Tiwari’s ambition to join the armed forces was deeply influenced by his family. His father, Honorary Captain Raj Kumar Tiwari, served in the Indian Army for 36 years with the Army Service Corps before retiring, as reported by The Times of India. Growing up with a father who spent decades in uniform, Tiwari developed an early desire to serve in the armed forces himself.Tiwari has now been commissioned as an officer into the Indian Army at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya. Before making the switch, he worked as a Cloud Engineer at Amazon and was later selected by global aerospace major Airbus.He studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya before graduating from PEC Chandigarh and building a successful career in the technology sector. Shardendu Tiwari left his Rs 46-lakh Amazon package to pursue his dream of joining the Army. (Image: X@artrac_ia) CHOOSING PURPOSE OVER A RS 46 LAKH PACKAGELeaving behind a nearly Rs 46-lakh package was a major decision. But for Tiwari, a lucrative corporate career could not replace his desire to wear the uniform.His journey to the Army was not without setbacks. He faced repeated disappointments while pursuing his goal of securing a commission, but continued to try rather than give up. His persistence eventually paid off. At OTA Gaya, his grit and leadership qualities earned him the prestigious appointment of Senior Under Officer during training.FROM AMAZON TO THE OLIVE GREENSTiwari's journey from a high-paying technology job to the Army is a story of choosing purpose over pay.He had already built a promising career in the corporate world, but chose a path that demanded discipline, sacrifice and service. Now, as he begins his career as an Army officer, Tiwari is following in his father's footsteps while forging a path of his own.His story is a reminder that success is not always measured by the size of a paychecksometimes, it is measured by the courage to pursue what truly matters.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Sep 9, 2026 08:00 IST