In a significant visit underscoring the Indian Army’s commitment to medical excellence and operational readiness, Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, AVSM, VSM, the Director General of Medical Services (Army), visited Rangapahar Military Station on February 13, 2025.

During her visit, Lt Gen Nair, who is also the Senior Colonel Commandant, engaged with Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Spear Corps, to assess and enhance the medical facilities and operational preparedness of the troops stationed there.

The visit included a thorough inspection of the medical echelons within the formation. Lt Gen Nair was particularly impressed by the dedication and motivation of the medical personnel, known as the #Spear Healers, who provide critical care under challenging conditions.

She lauded their efforts in maintaining high standards of medical support, emphasizing the importance of their selfless commitment to the well-being of the soldiers.

Lt Gen Nair’s visit comes shortly after the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande, conducted a similar inspection at the same location, highlighting the continuous focus of the Indian Army on ensuring that its forces are operationally ready and medically well-supported, especially in the strategic North Eastern region.

The presence of high-ranking officials like Lt Gen Nair and Lt Gen Pendharkar at Rangapahar Military Station not only boosts the morale of the stationed troops but also signifies the Army’s proactive approach in addressing the unique challenges faced by its personnel in remote and difficult terrains.

Lt Gen Nair’s visit concluded with a call to action for all personnel to continue providing exceptional medical care, reinforcing the Army’s ethos of service and readiness in the face of adversity. This visit is a testament to the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to maintain its operational effectiveness through robust medical support systems.

In a significant leadership transition within the Indian Armed Forces, Maj Gen Vinod Kumar Patra, a distinguished ophthalmologist, has assumed the role of Commandant & Chief Instructor at the Officers Training College, Army Medical Corps (AMC) Centre & College.

The appointment was effective from 10th February 2025, as announced by the Directorate General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).

Before taking up his new position, Maj Gen Patra served with distinction as Brig Med at HQ 101 Area, Eastern Command, where he contributed significantly to medical services operations.

His expertise as an ophthalmologist adds to his impressive military career, reflecting his dedication to both medical practice and military leadership.

The ceremony marking his assumption of command was attended by several senior military officials, underscoring the importance of this role in training future medical officers of the Indian Army.

Maj Gen Patra’s appointment is celebrated within the military community, with numerous congratulations being extended via social media by colleagues and peers, highlighting his respected standing and the expectations for his tenure at the AMC Centre & College.

This transition represents a continuation of high standards in military medical education and training, with Maj Gen Patra’s leadership expected to further enhance the capabilities and readiness of the Army Medical Corps.

Major General Sukriti Baveja, a distinguished dermatologist, has taken over as Major General (Medical) at the Headquarters of Dakshin Bharat Area in Chennai. The appointment ceremony took place on February 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career with the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

Prior to this prestigious appointment, Major General Baveja was serving as the Brigadier AFMS (Coord) in the Office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services. Her promotion to Major General underscores her exemplary service and expertise in the field of dermatology within the military healthcare system.

During the ceremony, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the current Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, extended her heartiest congratulations to Major General Baveja. The event was celebrated with messages of goodwill from various military and government officials, highlighting the importance of her role in ensuring the medical readiness and well-being of the armed forces personnel in the region.

Major General Baveja’s appointment is a testament to the AFMS’s commitment to recognizing and promoting talent within its ranks, ensuring that experienced and capable officers like her lead critical medical operations. Her leadership is expected to bring further advancements in healthcare services for military personnel in the Dakshin Bharat Area.

This change in leadership comes at a time when the focus on military healthcare infrastructure and services is paramount, ensuring that the armed forces remain in peak condition to fulfill their duties. Major General Sukriti Baveja’s tenure is anticipated to be marked by continued excellence in medical care and operational readiness.

In a significant move to bolster the security and operational readiness in the volatile region of Kashmir, Lieutenant General M.V. Suchindra Kumar, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command of the Indian Army, along with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Chinar Corps, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness across various forces stationed in the region.

The visit, which took place on February 13, 2025, saw the high-ranking officials inspecting Kilo Force, Victor Force, and CBS Khrew.

During the visit, Lt. Gen. Kumar assessed the security situation, counter-terrorism operations, and training modules of these forces, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance and readiness in the face of ongoing challenges in the region. The review was aimed at ensuring that the forces are well-prepared for any future operations, adapting to the dynamic security landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Northern Command, under Lt. Gen. Kumar’s leadership, commended all ranks for their dedication and professionalism. In his address, Lt. Gen. Kumar urged the soldiers to continue their exemplary conduct, stressing that their commitment is pivotal in the success of future operations in the region.

The visit underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kashmir, a region that has seen decades of conflict and insurgency.

The Chinar Corps, headquartered in Srinagar, is responsible for military operations in the Kashmir Valley, and has a storied history of participation in conflicts with both Pakistan and China. The Rashtriya Rifles, another key force reviewed during the visit, is a specialized counter-insurgency unit formed in 1990 to tackle internal security threats in Jammu and Kashmir, operating under the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990.

This visit by Lt. Gen. Kumar and his commendation of the forces highlight the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to ensure operational excellence and the safety of the region, reflecting the broader strategy of counter-terrorism and peacekeeping in one of India’s most sensitive areas.

The Indian Army’s proactive stance, through such reviews, aims at reinforcing the operational framework to counter any threats effectively, while also supporting social and humanitarian missions to win the hearts and minds of the local populace.

This development comes at a time when the Indian Army continues its operations like Operation Rakshak, Operation All Out, and Operation Calm Down, which have been pivotal in addressing insurgency and maintaining public order in the region.

The leadership’s engagement with the ground forces is a testament to the strategic oversight and the importance placed on the welfare and operational capabilities of the troops stationed in this critical zone.

Demonstrating the Indian Army’s commitment to vigilance and operational readiness, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Rising Star Corps conducted a comprehensive review of operational preparedness in the Bani-Macchedi Sector, Kathua.

During the visit, the GOC assessed the security situation, ongoing deployments, and strategic preparedness of troops stationed in the sector. The inspection aimed at ensuring high combat readiness to counter any emerging security challenges effectively.

While interacting with personnel, the GOC commended the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and resilience of the troops deployed in the region. He appreciated their relentless commitment to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers and maintaining peace and stability in the area.

The Rising Star Corps, entrusted with operational responsibilities in sensitive border regions, continues to uphold its motto of being “Steadfast, Professional, and Ready.” The visit underscores the Indian Army’s constant focus on enhancing preparedness and boosting the morale of its personnel.

Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles, met with Mr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh, IPS, Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), in New Delhi on 13 February 2025. The interaction centered on matters of mutual interest, emphasizing enhanced cooperation and coordination between the two security forces.

As two of India’s key paramilitary forces, Assam Rifles and CRPF play crucial roles in national security, counter-insurgency, and internal stability. The meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to discuss strategies for operational synergy, intelligence sharing, and capacity building to tackle evolving security challenges effectively.

Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera and DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh highlighted the importance of seamless coordination in joint operations, especially in sensitive regions where both forces operate. They also deliberated on training collaborations, technological advancements, and best practices that can further bolster the effectiveness of their respective forces.

The interaction underscores the commitment of India’s security forces to maintaining peace, stability, and operational excellence. Such high-level engagements contribute to a more integrated security framework, ensuring a unified approach to national and regional security concerns.