Lady doctor receives sword of honour, makes history

In a colourful ceremony, 92 medical graduates were commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services at the passing out parade (PoP) ceremony held by the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) on Friday. Chief guest Lt Gen Naresh Kumar, officiating director general of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), commissioned the graduates into the medical services and also reviewed the parade.

Lt Gen DP Vats, director and commandant, started the day’s proceedings by accepting the general salute. It was followed by the parade review by Lt Gen Naresh Kumar, along with parade commander Med Cdt Bhupinderpal Singh. Of the 92 newly commissioned officers, 71 officers joined the army, 12 joined the air force and 10 joined the navy.

History was made when Surgeon Sub-Lieutenant Shikha Awasthi became the first lady doctor to receive the sword of honour. She was also the first graduate to be decorated with all three top honours awarded by the college, namely the sword of honour, president’s gold medal and the Kalinga trophy.

The commissioning ceremony was followed by the PoP, with the newly commissioned officers marching on the tunes played by the band. The highlight was the showering of rose petals by an army helicopter on the parade.

In his speech, Lt Gen Naresh Kumar stressed on the importance of compassion, empathy, understanding and effective communication while dealing with patients. He urged the newly commissioned officers to use their internships as a learning experience.

Established in 1962, the graduate wing of the AFMC has commissioned more than 5,000 officers in the Armed Forced Medial Services. The first commissioning service was held in 1982.