Flying Officer Poyla Ghosh brought pride to her family by securing third rank in overall merit at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) during the recent graduation ceremony. Upholding a proud family legacy, Poyla has become a third-generation officer in the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services.
Both her parents are distinguished AFMC alumni. Her father, Col Arijit Kumar Ghosh (Retd.), previously led the cardiology department at the Army Institute of Cardio Thoracic Sciences, and currently heads cardiology at AIIMS Nagpur. Her mother, Col Pratibha Misra, is a molecular biologist currently serving at RR Hospital in New Delhi.
“My parents were my inspiration from childhood, and serving in the Armed Forces Medical Services has always been my dream. I’m proud to continue this legacy,” said Poyla, who was also the College Cadet Captain.
Joining AFMC in 2020, Poyla studied under her mother, who at the time was head of the biochemistry department. Col Misra expressed her pride, saying, “She was a medical cadet like the others on campus, but today she has fulfilled our dreams.”
Although initially inclined towards the Army, Poyla chose the Indian Air Force to explore a different service path. “I wanted to experience something unique from my parents’ journey in the Army,” she explained.
Poyla has consistently excelled academically, topping Standard X at Bishop’s School, Undri, and Standard XII at Army Public School, Southern Command. She secured second rank in the AFMC entrance examination. Despite having excellent opportunities in civilian medical colleges, her determination to uphold the family tradition drew her to AFMC. She will now undertake a one-year internship at the Command Hospital, Indian Air Force, Bengaluru.
The graduation ceremony was emotional for many, including Lieutenant Nisha Bharti, whose father, Subedar Vinod Kumar, passed away two years ago. “My father dreamed of seeing me graduate from AFMC. I miss him deeply today,” said Nisha, whose family attended the ceremony holding her father’s photograph.
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin addressed the graduating cadets, emphasizing the values of integrity and selfless service. “You are torchbearers of a proud legacy. Uphold honour, integrity, and dedication in your service to the nation,” she advised.
The graduation parade at Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra parade ground saw 121 medical graduates of the 59th batch commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services—95 into the Army, 11 into the Navy, and 15 into the Air Force.
