Sadhna Saxena Nair,

Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the Director General Medical Services (Army) making history as the first woman to be selected for this role. Before this, she made history as the first woman to serve as DG Hospital Services (Armed Forces) upon being promoted to the rank of Air Marshal.

Lt. Gen.Sadhna Saxena Nair: Education and Military Career

Lt. Gen. Nair completed her education at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune and was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985. She possesses a Post Graduate degree in Family Medicine, along with Diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management. Additionally, she has participated in a two-year training program in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi. Her training includes Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces, as well as Military Medical Ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces in Spiez. Notably, she is the first woman to serve as the Principal Medical Officer for both the Western Air Command and the Training Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

 

Professional Milestones and Committee Appointment

Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Nair was appointed as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee, which is responsible for drafting the medical education component of the National Education Policy.

Lt Gen Nair embarked on her journey at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, where she showcased herself as a committed and skilled medical professional. She was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985. Subsequently, in 1986, she transitioned to the Indian Air Force as a flight lieutenant, assuming the role of a medical officer.

Early Education and Recognitions of Sadhna Saxena Nair

Her educational journey commenced at St Mary’s Convent, Allahabad (now Prayagraj), and concluded at Loreto Convent, Lucknow. Along the way, she attended schools in Tezpur, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Chandigarh.

Throughout her distinguished career, Lt Gen Nair has exhibited exceptional dedication and proficiency in military medicine, leading to her being honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for her contributions. In recognition of her commendable service, she has received accolades such as the AOC-in-C (Western Air Command) and Chief of Air Staff Commendations.

Advanced Education and Specialized Training

 

It is noteworthy that she possesses a postgraduate degree in family medicine and has completed a two-year training program in medical informatics at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Nair has received specialized training in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces, as well as in military medical ethics (MME) in Switzerland.

It is noteworthy that she possesses a postgraduate degree in family medicine and has completed a two-year training program in medical informatics at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

Career Progression and Leadership Roles

Furthermore, Lt Gen Nair has received specialized training in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces, as well as in military medical ethics (MME) in Switzerland.

 

Before returning to the Army, Lt Gen Nair became the second female officer to achieve the rank of air marshal in the Air Force, following Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay (retired). Prior to this elevation, Air Marshal Nair served as the principal medical officer (PMO) at HQ Training Command (Air Force) in Bengaluru. She also held the esteemed position of director general of Hospital Services (Armed Forces).

 

Personal Life and Family of Sadhna Saxena Nair

Lt. Gen. Nair is married to retired Air Marshal KP Nair. Her family has a rich legacy of military service spanning three generations over the past 70 years. She uniquely holds the distinction of being both the daughter and sister of military doctors, in addition to being the wife and mother of IAF fighter pilots.

Leadership in the Indian Army Medical Corps

In her current role as the Director General of Medical Services (Army), Lt. Gen. Nair will lead the Indian Army Medical Corps and oversee the healthcare of more than 1.2 million soldiers. The appointment of a female general officer to this pivotal position is widely regarded as a significant advancement, anticipated to introduce a new perspective to the healthcare services within the armed forces.

 

Sadhna Saxena Nair ‘s Historical Achievements in Military Ranks

 

Sadhna Saxena Nair: Breaking Barriers in the Air Force

Sadhna Nair has recently been promoted and has now become the second woman officer to achieve the rank of Air Marshal. Prior to Sadhna, Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay held this prestigious position, having been appointed in 2002. Additionally, the first woman to reach the three-star rank was Naval Surgeon Vice Admiral Punita Arora, who has since retired. Notably, Sadhna’s husband, KP Nair, retired from the position of Director General of Inspection and Flight Safety in 2015. As a result, Sadhna and KP Nair have made history by becoming the first couple in the country to both reach the rank of Air Marshal.

 

Madhuri and Rajeev Kanitkar: Pioneers in the Indian Army

The first three-star couple of the Indian Army is Madhuri and Rajeev Kanitkar. They achieved the senior rank of three-star officers in the Armed Forces in 2020, making them the first couple to do so. Madhuri is a doctor, while Rajeev retired as Quarter Master General in 2017.

 

Advancements of Women Officers in the Indian Armed Forces

Women officers in the Indian Army are making significant strides in various roles. While women medical officers have been granted permanent commission, the focus is now on reinstating women in other positions following a directive from the Supreme Court to end gender inequality. Women officers are now flying fighter planes, serving on first-line warships, and handling howitzers and rocket systems in the artillery regiment. In the Air Force, 17 women officers are flying supersonic fighter jets, and 145 women military officers are piloting helicopters and transport aircraft for land, sea, and navy operations. Additionally, 30 women officers are deployed in frontline warships.

read also :‘https://upgradeyou.in/khadga-prasad-sharma-oli-nepals-new-prime-minister/