Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AVSM, VSM, and Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Artificial Limb Center (ALC) in Pune today, marking a significant milestone in amputee rehabilitation and training. The DGAFMS inaugurated the cutting-edge ‘Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics Education’, a facility poised to revolutionize care and training in the field of prosthetics and orthotics.

Advancing Amputee Rehabilitation

The newly established department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology aimed at:

• Enhancing the rehabilitation of amputees with advanced prosthetic solutions.
• Providing technical training in prosthetics and orthotics, ensuring that Armed Forces personnel receive world-class care.

The facility is expected to serve as a hub for innovation and education, reinforcing the ALC’s reputation as a center of excellence in rehabilitation medicine.

Interaction with Patients and Staff

During her visit, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin interacted with amputee patients undergoing treatment and commended their courage and resilience. She also extended her heartfelt compliments to the dedicated ALC staff for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to the rehabilitation of disabled soldiers.

Acknowledging Dedication to Disabled Soldiers

In her address, the DGAFMS emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive support to disabled personnel, highlighting how the Armed Forces are leveraging advanced medical technology to improve the quality of life for injured soldiers. She praised the ALC team for their pivotal role in ensuring that injured soldiers regain their mobility, independence, and confidence.

A Step Toward Holistic Care

This initiative underscores the Armed Forces’ commitment to not only operational excellence but also to the welfare of its personnel. The ‘Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics Education’ is expected to have far-reaching impacts, fostering advancements in rehabilitation techniques while equipping medical professionals with the skills needed to deliver the best possible care.

This development reaffirms the Armed Forces’ dedication to embracing modern medical technology and innovation to support those who have selflessly served the nation.

On November 8, 2024, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AVSM, VSM, and Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Armed Forces Medical Stores Depot (AFMSD) in Pune.

During her visit, she engaged with both military personnel and civilian employees, commending them for their outstanding performance.

The AFMSD in Pune plays a crucial role in supplying non-expandable medical stores to all commands within the Armed Forces.

Vice Admiral Sarin’s interaction with the staff underscores the importance of their contributions to the operational readiness and healthcare support of the military.

Vice Admiral Sarin, who assumed the role of DGAFMS on October 1, 2024, is the first woman to lead the Armed Forces Medical Services.

Her visit to AFMSD Pune reflects her commitment to engaging with various units under her command and recognizing the efforts of those who ensure the seamless provision of medical supplies across the Armed Forces.

In a remarkable demonstration of their unwavering commitment to public safety, the Konark Tuskers of the Indian Army extended their expertise to assist the local administration in neutralizing an unexploded ordnance in Kharia, a border village in Jaisalmer district. This coordinated operation exemplifies the Army’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, even in the most challenging scenarios.

The Mission: Ensuring Public Safety

The unexploded ordnance, discovered in Kharia, posed a significant risk to the lives and livelihoods of the local community. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Konark Tuskers promptly stepped in with their specialized skills to:

• Assess and Secure the Site: Ensuring no harm came to the surrounding population or infrastructure.
• Neutralize the Ordnance: Using advanced techniques to safely demolish the hazardous material.

A Joint Effort of Coordination and Precision

The operation was conducted in close coordination with the local administration and law enforcement agencies. The meticulous planning and flawless execution underscored the seamless synergy between the Army and civil authorities.

Reassuring the Community

For the residents of Kharia, the successful neutralization of the ordnance brought much-needed relief and highlighted the Army’s role as a trusted guardian in times of adversity. The operation also reinforced the critical importance of vigilance and cooperation between civilians and the Armed Forces in addressing potential threats.

A Testament to the Indian Army’s Dedication

This mission serves as yet another testament to the Indian Army’s ethos of protecting the nation and its people. The Konark Tuskers have once again demonstrated that their commitment extends beyond the battlefield, embodying the spirit of “Aid in Adversity” to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen.

As part of its ongoing #TechInfusion initiatives, the Bald Eagle Brigade has conducted an advanced Drone Handling Training capsule at Bhuj. This focused program aimed to enhance the understanding of drone operations and their multifaceted applications in modern combat scenarios, underscoring the Brigade’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies.

Expanding Horizons in Drone Technology

The training provided participants with a comprehensive insight into:

• Drone Functionality: Hands-on sessions familiarized attendees with the technical aspects, operational controls, and maintenance of drones.
• Combat Utility: The capsule highlighted the pivotal role drones play as force multipliers, capable of performing reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and even combat missions.

Force Multipliers in Modern Warfare

Drones have become indispensable tools in today’s battlefield, offering:

• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Real-time data collection and transmission.
• Precision Targeting: Improved accuracy in engaging hostile elements.
• Operational Efficiency: Reduced risk to personnel and better utilization of resources.

Driving Tech Integration in Defense

The initiative aligns with the broader objective of integrating cutting-edge technology into military operations. By exposing personnel to the latest advancements, the Brigade is ensuring its teams remain agile and prepared for the challenges of contemporary warfare.

This training capsule represents a significant stride in the adoption of technology by the Armed Forces, fostering innovation and operational excellence. The Bald Eagle Brigade’s efforts not only boost the combat readiness of its personnel but also reinforce the Indian Army’s commitment to evolving with the dynamics of modern warfare under the #TechInfusion movement.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan inaugurated the second edition of the annual Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi on November 8, 2024. During the event, he officially launched Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’, a new initiative aimed at conserving and promoting India’s rich military heritage through education and tourism.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution (USI) of India.

The two-day festival is designed to facilitate meaningful engagement among global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector entities, non-profits, academicians, and researchers, all of whom will focus on vital themes such as India’s national security, foreign policy, military history, and heritage.

In his address, Gen. Chauhan emphasized the need to enhance public awareness of India’s extensive military history and strategic culture, noting that many citizens remain unaware of the diverse aspects of the nation’s military background and security challenges.

The festival aims to address this knowledge gap by enriching national discourse and cultural appreciation of military ethos, traditions, and contemporary security issues. Through initiatives like Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’, the festival seeks to foster a deeper understanding of India’s military capabilities, aligning with the government’s goals of promoting self-reliance in defense sectors under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

General Chauhan also took the opportunity to release several noteworthy publications on military-related topics. These included “Because of this: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971” authored by retired Air Marshal Vikram Singh, “Valour and Honour,” a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and USI of India, and “War-wounded, Disabled Soldiers, And Cadets,” published jointly by USI and the War Wounded Federation.

In addition, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased a photo exhibition that outlined its contributions to India’s self-reliance in defense through innovation. The exhibition highlighted various milestones in the DRDO’s journey. Participating in the festivities were NCC cadets from across the Delhi-NCR region, who contributed to the event’s vibrancy and engagement with the themes presented.

The IMHF stands as a platform to ensure that India’s military history and heritage are preserved and appreciated, advocating for a broader understanding that ties in with contemporary issues of security and defense strategy.

In alignment with the ongoing #YearofTechAbsorption campaign, the Bogra Brigade has taken a significant step toward modernizing military training by embracing cutting-edge #TechInfusion initiatives. Leveraging advanced technology for enhanced operational readiness, the Brigade is setting new benchmarks in training methodologies.

Transforming Training with Technology

The introduction of electronic dashboards and simulators is revolutionizing the way personnel are trained at the Brigade. These state-of-the-art tools are being utilized for:

• Operational Planning and Decision Making: Simulators provide realistic scenarios to hone strategic thinking and decision-making skills, vital for commanders and staff.
• Crew Training: High-tech simulators are enabling crews to practice and perfect their operational capabilities in a safe, controlled, and highly immersive environment.

Benefits of Tech-Driven Training

The integration of technology into the training framework offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Real-time feedback and data analytics allow trainees to improve with precision.
• Cost Efficiency: Simulated environments reduce the need for physical resources during training.
• Operational Readiness: Cadres gain hands-on experience in tackling complex scenarios, enhancing their preparedness for real-world challenges.

Pioneering the Future of Training

The Bogra Brigade’s initiatives exemplify how technological innovation can augment traditional training methods, ensuring personnel are better equipped to meet modern-day operational demands. By fostering a culture of technological excellence, the Brigade is setting a precedent for other formations in the Armed Forces to follow.

As part of the larger vision under the #YearofTechAbsorption, these efforts signify the Armed Forces’ commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring a seamless blend of tradition and innovation in preparing for the challenges of the future.