In a display of stamina and determination, a team from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), led by Lt Gen Narendra Kotwal, Director & Commandant, made a significant mark at the Pune Cyclothon held on March 17, 2024. The event, which drew participants from various walks of life, saw the AFMC contingent showcasing their athletic prowess and competitive spirit.

Among the standout performers were Medical Cadets Parnavi, Arunima, and Dimple Yadav, who clinched the top three spots in the 100 Km category for girls.

Their achievement not only highlights the rigorous training and discipline inherent in military education but also underscores the importance of physical fitness in the medical profession.

The participation of AFMC in events like the Pune Cyclothon serves as an inspiration to young athletes and medical professionals alike, demonstrating the balance between academic excellence and physical fitness. The success of the Medical Cadets is a testament to their hard work and the high standards of training at the Armed Forces Medical College.

In a recent event celebrating the spirit of National Integration, 20 students from Sikkim University, Gangtok, embarked on an educational visit to The Bihar Regimental Centre in Danapur, under the auspices of the Indian Army’s Surya Command.

This visit was part of the National Integration Tour, a program designed to foster unity and understanding across different regions of India.

During their time at the regimental center, these students, representing the next generation of India’s citizens, were provided with a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the rigorous training activities that members of the Indian Army undergo.

Additionally, they were introduced to the rich history and proud traditions of the Indian Army, an experience aimed at deepening their appreciation for the country’s defense forces and their pivotal role in maintaining national security.

The visit is reflective of the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to engaging with the youth of India, inspiring a sense of patriotism and respect for the armed forces while promoting the values of national integration.

Through such initiatives, the Army aims to bridge gaps between different parts of the country and cultivate a sense of national unity among its younger citizens. The enthusiastic participation of the students from Sikkim University in this tour underscores the importance of such programs in educating and motivating India’s future generations.

In a commendable effort to foster goodwill and provide healthcare services to remote areas, the Surya Command’s “Surya Healers” from the Tripeaks Brigade conducted a medical and dental camp under the aegis of ‘Operation Sadbhavna’ at Chitkul village in the Sangla Valley.

This initiative brought much-needed medical and dental care to the doorsteps of the local population, who have limited access to healthcare facilities. The camp was organized with the aim of offering comprehensive health services, including consultations, treatments, and awareness about maintaining good health practices.

The residents of Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border in the Sangla Valley, showed immense gratitude and appreciation towards the Indian Army for their thoughtful and humanitarian gesture.

This camp not only provided essential healthcare services but also strengthened the bond between the armed forces and the local communities, showcasing the Indian Army’s dedication to the welfare of the people in remote areas of the country.

The successful conduct of the medical and dental camp underlines the Indian Army’s commitment to its civic action programs, aiming to uplift and assist the nation’s more isolated and underserved populations. Initiatives like these highlight the role of the armed forces beyond their defense duties, emphasizing their contribution to social and community welfare.

In a notable community outreach initiative, the Assam Rifles hosted a “Medical Camp” in Langza Village, located in the Churachandpur District of Manipur, on March 16, 2024. This event was part of their ongoing efforts to provide medical assistance and support to communities in remote areas.

The medical camp aimed to offer essential health services, including consultations, diagnoses, and treatments, to the residents of Langza Village, many of whom face challenges accessing regular healthcare facilities. The Assam Rifles’ medical team, composed of experienced doctors and healthcare professionals, provided a range of medical services free of charge.

Additionally, necessary medicines were distributed to those in need, ensuring that villagers received the medical attention required without the burden of cost.

This initiative by the Assam Rifles is a reflection of their commitment to not only safeguard the borders but also to contribute positively to the welfare of the communities residing in these remote regions. The medical camp received an enthusiastic response from the villagers, who expressed gratitude for the timely medical aid and support.

Events like these are crucial in bridging the healthcare gap in India’s remote and underserved areas, highlighting the importance of combined efforts from the military and civilian sectors in addressing public health challenges.

In a significant move underscoring the Indian Army’s focus on border security and infrastructure development, Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, the Army Commander of the Northern Command, embarked on a critical visit to formations stationed in the Super High Altitude Area of Ladakh.

Accompanied by the Commander of the Fire and Fury Corps, this visit was aimed at closely reviewing the operational readiness and progress in border infrastructure development in one of the most strategically important and challenging terrains along the India-China border.

The visit comes at a time when maintaining a high level of operational preparedness is seen as crucial given the sensitive nature of the border areas. Ladakh’s super high altitude region, known for its harsh climatic conditions and difficult terrain, poses a unique set of challenges for troops deployed there.

Despite these challenges, the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have been steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring the security of its territories.

Lt. Gen. Suchindra Kumar expressed his appreciation for the Indian Army and the ITBP personnel for their “relentless efforts in maintaining the highest standards of operational effectiveness” under such challenging conditions. His commendation reflects the high level of professionalism and dedication exhibited by the forces in ensuring the nation’s security, particularly in such demanding environments.

This visit not only highlights the importance of regular high-level reviews to ensure the effectiveness of the forces deployed in sensitive areas but also reinforces the commitment of the Indian Army towards enhancing border infrastructure.

Such initiatives are crucial for enabling quicker mobility, sustained logistical supplies, and overall operational efficiency, thereby strengthening India’s defense capabilities in the region.

The efforts of the Indian Army and the ITBP in Ladakh are a testament to their resilience and dedication to duty, further exemplifying their role as key pillars in maintaining national security and sovereignty in face of adversities.

In a significant joint operation, the Assam Rifles in collaboration with the Manipur Police made a substantial arms and ammunition discovery in Manipur. The operation, conducted on March 15, 2024, in the general area of Trao Lamkhai, Tengnoupal District, led to the seizure of a considerable cache of weapons.

The haul included one .303 rifle, two improvised mortars, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), fifteen grenades, along with a quantity of ammunition.

This successful operation is part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, which has been troubled by insurgent activities. The recovery of such arms and ammunition is a significant blow to the efforts of those looking to disrupt peace and stability in Manipur.

The Assam Rifles and Manipur Police have been working closely to counter insurgent activities and their efforts have been instrumental in preventing potential acts of violence.

The joint operation underscores the importance of collaboration between different security forces in combating insurgency and ensuring the safety of the populace. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in the region and the determination of the security forces to address these issues head-on.

The authorities have initiated further investigations to track down the origins of these weapons and to dismantle the networks involved in their distribution.

In a significant visit that underscores the importance of advanced medical training within the armed forces, Lieutenant General Daljit Singh, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), along with Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Medical Services (Navy), toured the School of Medical Assistants (SOMA) in Mumbai yesterday.

SOMA, renowned for its cutting-edge approach to healthcare education, plays a pivotal role in preparing the paramedics of the Indian Navy to meet the complex demands of military healthcare.

During their visit, the top military health officials inspected the facilities and interacted with both the faculty and trainees. Lt Gen Daljit Singh praised the rigorous training regimen and the school’s commitment to healthcare excellence.

He emphasized the critical role of high-caliber medical support in the armed forces and commended the school’s endeavors in pushing the boundaries of excellence in healthcare training.

Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of such advanced training establishments in enhancing the operational readiness of the Navy’s medical personnel.

She acknowledged the efforts of SOMA in adopting innovative teaching methods and state-of-the-art technologies to equip the Navy’s paramedics with the skills needed in challenging environments.

The visit by the DGAFMS and DGMS (Navy) is a testament to the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of medical care available to its personnel.

It also serves as a morale booster for the trainees and staff at SOMA, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in their vital mission of saving lives and maintaining the health of those who serve the nation at sea.