Tag Archives: Hq Establishment No.22 C/O 56 APO – Operation Eagle 1971

THE ART OF DIAGNOSING GOOD HEALTH vs DIAGNOSING ILL-HEALTH

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THIS PORTRAIT OF ADI SHANKARA DEPICTS HIM IN PERFECT, GOOD AND POSITIVE HEALTH.  

THE LEGEND ABOUT ‘BHAJA GOVINDAM’ : 

Adi Shankara, an Indian philosopher of 8th century CE, born in the southern Indian state of Kerala is well-known for his doctrine of Advaita Vedanta which he had established using Upanishads for reference. Shankara had established the ‘SMARTHA’ tradition to which I belong. He had recommended devotion to both Shiva and Vishnu and also the worship of other gods and goddesses. His poetic composition popularly known as ‘Bhaja Govindam’ deals with issues of human existence and the problem of death. Shankara had renounced the comforts associated with materialistic existence and had become a ‘Sanyasin’( Hindu ascetic) at a very young age and had walked across the length and breadth of India on foot. He had lived by accepting the offerings(‘biksha’) given by the community which often involved walking along the streets in places where he had lived. While he had lived in the city of Kashi also known as Benares or Varanasi, the legend claims that he had composed the twelve verses of Sanskrit poetry. He was accompanied by fourteen of his disciples who had also contributed a verse each and these songs are collectively known as ‘Bhaja Govindam’. The legend describes that Shankara had encountered a man teaching the rules of Sanskrit grammar to his students. In India, the teaching technique often involves learning by rote. A phrase is repeated several times to let the students put it into memory. As this Sanskrit Grammar teacher was repeating the phrase ‘Du krun kariney’, Shankara, a man of great spiritual insight, had instantly recognized that the Sanskrit teacher was actually facing the threat of death and the teacher himself was not aware of the threat to his physical existence. Shankara who had mastered Vedas and Upanishads was aware of the many sources both external and internal that endanger human physical existence. This particular ability of Shankara to diagnose the health of an individual interests me because of my educational experience and training in the ‘Art of Diagnosis’. Unfortunately, Shankara died at the very young age of 32. A mystery surrounds his death. The place of his death is disputed. He was always followed by his disciples. Some accounts claim that he had died in Kedarnath in the Himalayan mountains of Uttaranchal State. Others claim that he had died in the southern Indian city of Kanchi. What had contributed to his premature demise is not known. His portraits always depicted him in good and positive health. 

THE ART OF DIAGNOSING GOOD HEALTH : 

To diagnose ill-health is easy. The sick person may describe his ailments. In addition to a person’s subjective symptoms, ill-health shows objective manifestations. The art of clinical diagnosis in sickness and disease involves the use of signs and symptoms attributable to specific conditions that affect the state of health of an individual. However, the mere absence of ill-health does not necessarily mean that the person is positively healthy. Health, like beauty is often a matter of subjective impression. But, while beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, the diagnosis of perfect and positive health is a verdict rendered after a carefully executed medical examination. 

The important object of medical inspection and examination of Armed Forces personnel is to ensure that they are healthy and are able to perform the tasks assigned to them. As the medical officer providing medical cover to units in the Armed Forces of India and The Sultanate of Oman where I had served, I was responsible for assessment of health of all personnel under my care. To ensure that the troops are in good health, I was required to medically inspect all personnel under my care periodically and diagnose that they were in good health. Good health demands that a person should appear well nourished. In stature and build, a person should represent an average example of his race and class. The person should not present any evidence of emotional hyper-excitability. Temperamentally, the individual should exhibit reasonable aptitude and behavior consistent with the expectations of his occupation. Most importantly, the face of the person should reflect the bloom of vigorous health. A person in good health should appear cheerful and be full of vitality. The entire individual is carefully examined to assess the health status. I had acquired the practical skills of the ‘Art of Diagnosing Good Health’ by carefully carrying out regular, periodic health inspections of all men under my care. Armed Forces insists upon Medical Inspections for a variety of reasons and individuals who are subject to the Rules and Regulations that govern Service in Uniform cannot refuse the mandatory Medical Examinations. Medical Inspection of all the men including all food handlers of the Unit is done typically once every month. In addition, men newly posted to the Unit( New Arrivals), men before proceeding on and returning from Courses of Instruction/Leave of Absence/Temporary Duty, and after Hospital Discharge are Medically Inspected. Recruits posted to the Unit after completion of Recruit Training, and men joining their Units after serving abroad are subjected to Medical Inspections. Thorough, detailed and specific Medical Examinations of military personnel is required under the following conditions : 

1. All troops proceeding on ‘active service’ or troops proceeding overseas. 2. Individuals proceeding on permanent transfer to another Unit. 3. Men desirous of an extension of service or re-engagement. 4. Troops for transfer for the Reserve Duty. 5.Officers at the time of initiation of Annual Confidential Reports, entry to Staff College, any Course of Instruction, Fitness for Special Duty. 6. Men under arrest and undergoing sentence and before disciplinary action. 7. Men posted to serve at High Altitude. 8. Special examination at the outbreak of an infectious disease. Typically, I used to examine at least twenty known contacts of each case of Malaria or Viral Hepatitis. 

Medicine is not merely the Art of Diagnosing ill-health and it is equally the Art of Diagnosing Good and Positive Health. I had perfected this skill by meticulously repeating the task of conducting Medical Inspections thousands of times during the course of my service in the Armed Forces. This had also contributed to my ability to diagnose ill-health and in the next several posts I would narrate a few specific instances when I had diagnosed an impending outcome of death during my service and there are instances when I had diagnosed Good Health and made individuals to perform their assigned tasks and did not allow them to escape from the obligations of Military Duty. Sometimes, my acute power of observation was better than that of Physicians more qualified than me. During 1973, I was admitted to Military Hospital, ROORKEE for an intestinal infection. During my hospital stay as a patient,while I was standing in the lobby of the Officers’ Ward one particular evening, I had seen a young, male patient coming into the Ward after his admission. When I had looked at him from a distance, and the manner in which he was walking, particularly his gait and the position of his right hand over the right lower quadrant of his abdomen, I had suspected his medical problem. After he came into the Ward, from his facial appearance alone, I had recognized him as the younger brother of an Officer who was then serving with me in my Unit. Both of them belonged to the Corps of Engineers. I had introduced myself and he had confirmed his relationship to the Officer who was then serving at my Unit. I had asked him about his medical ailment. He was getting treatment from the Hospital Physician( Medical Specialist) over the last several days and was
already seen by the Physician twice in the Out-Patient Clinic and was not responding to the medicines that were prescribed. I had looked up at the Hospital Admission document. He was admitted to the Military Hospital with the provisional diagnosis of Fever Not Yet Diagnosed. I told him that Fever was not the real issue and that he was suffering on account of a common well-known surgical condition called Acute Appendicitis. I had confirmed this diagnosis by performing a simple test on this young Officer patient and told him that he would need immediate surgery and that his ‘APPENDIX’ should be removed without any delay. I proceeded to contact the Duty Medical Officer who had admitted and sent this individual to the Officers’ Ward. The Duty Officer had simply admitted this man based upon the written opinion given by the Physician. The Duty Medical Officer came over to the Officers’ Ward and he repeated the test I had performed earlier and the diagnosis was very clear. He immediately called the Duty Surgeon, who came over and repeated the test I had conducted and confirmed that Appendix should be removed. The appendix was removed and the Surgeon came back and told me that the appendix was highly inflamed and was at the risk of a RUPTURE which could pose a greater threat. While, Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency among young adults, Medical Specialists are not trained to treat this condition and sometimes they may fail to look for it. I was less qualified than the Medical Specialist but I had trained myself in the Art of Diagnosis which would be of use in diagnosis if not in delivering the special treatment a medical condition requires. Whatever may be the outcome, a Good Diagnosis is as relevant as a Good and proper Treatment. Roorkee was the hometown of this Officer patient. Later his father came to the Ward to meet me and was particularly excited with this chance coincidence ; I knew his first son and then I was in Roorkee at that precise moment and intervened as his second son was arriving at the Officers’ ward. 

BHAJA GOVINDAM – PART-I : 

While the Art of Diagnosis interests me, I constantly remind myself that Good Health is due to the GRACE and MERCY of the LORD and Indians love to identify the LORD as GOVINDA. While we exist because of MERCY, when the existence is threatened, we have no choice other than remembering the LORD. 

Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam, 

Govindam Bhaja muudha matey, 

Sampraaptey Sannihitey kaaley, 

Nahi Nahi rakshati Du krun karaney. 

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, A.P., India.,

M.B.B.S., Class of April, 1970.

 

THE FREEDOM FROM SICKNESS-SARVE SANTU NIRAMAYA

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THE FLAG OF INDIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS: DULL CHERRY WAS THE COLOR OF THE ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.SIGNIFIES POSITIVE HEALTH AND FREEDOM FROM SICKNESS. BLACK WAS THE COLOR OF INDIAN HOSPITAL CORPS. SYMBOLIC OF BIRTH AND DEATH. OLD GOLD WAS THE COLOR OF INDIAN MEDICAL SERVICES WHICH EXISTED BEFORE 1943. IT IS THE SYMBOL OF SUN GOD AESCULAPIUS, THE GOD OF MEDICINE. ARMY MEDICAL CORPS CAME INTO EXISTENCE ON JANUARY 26, 1950.

SARVE SANTU NIRAMAYA :

The motto of Indian Army Medical Corps is “SARVE SANTU NIRAMAYA”. This is an idea expressed in ‘UPANISHADS’. The hymn appears as a benediction to invoke “PEACE” and hence is known as a ‘Shanti Mantra‘. It reads as follows:

OM, Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,

Sarve Santu Niraamayaah,

Sarve Bhadraani Pashyantu,

Maa kaschidh duhkhbhaag Bhavet.

May everybody be blessed with happiness,

May everybody live in perfect health free from sickness,

May everybody be assured of well-being(lead a life that is safe and secure),

May there be no mental thought that could arouse sorrow or grief.

POSITIVE HEALTH AND COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE :

The ideas of freedom from misery and sorrow, and the state of happiness are clearly associated with freedom from sickness and complete well-being of an individual. Health is defined as ‘the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease’. The health care program must embrace all the three aspects of a disease; the preventive, the curative, and the restorative care of an individual.These three aspects of physical, mental, and social well-being are interrelated, interdependent and contiguous. The medical care should be ‘patient centered’ rather than being ‘disease centered’. Comprehensive Health Care can be described as the health promotive, health preservative, preventive, curative, and restorative health care of all individuals, at all stages of life from conception to the grave, and in all spheres of life such as home, school, work place and in the community. In the Armed Forces, the medical practitioner gives attention to any condition considered responsible for deterioration in health or likely to affect adversely the health, morale, and welfare of the personnel under his medical care. The Medical Officer in the Armed Forces not only promotes, preserves and protects the health, but also he periodically carries out an assessment of the environmental, living and working conditions of the personnel under his medical care. The threats to human health and well-being come from several directions and tragically very healthy individuals may sometimes succumb to sickness and the causative factors of several diseases still remain a mystery. Cancer is one such disease which poses a challenge to our motto of achieving ‘freedom from sickness’.

ONCOLOGY – THE STUDY OF NEOPLASMS :

The word ‘Oncology’ is derived from the Greek word of mass which denotes a swelling or a new growth. A new growth or neoplasm could be ‘benign’ or ‘malignant’. The ‘benign’ growths are relatively harmless and they may not invade other tissues of the body but can contribute to some functional impairment. The ‘malignant’ growths are dangerous to life as they tend to invade other tissues and spread to other distant sites in the body. Apart from this ‘invasiveness’, the malignant cells display uncontrolled growth and could cause a very rapid deterioration in the state of health of a victim. The term ‘CANCER’ is used to describe a wide variety of malignant diseases. The factors involved in the causation of many of these diseases still remain unknown. Next to Heart Disease, Cancer is a most common cause of death. Cancers could be grouped into three major groups;1. the Carcinomas which arise in endodermal or ectodermal tissues known as epithelial tissues. Breast and Colon Cancers are well-known Carcinomas. 2. the Sarcomas are fleshy tumors, arise from mesodermal tissues, the connective tissues like bone, cartilage, and fat. Sarcomas of soft tissues constitute only 1 percent of all malignant tumors and they may occur at any location in the body. Roughly twenty different types of Sarcomas are described. 3. the Lukemias and the Lymphomas which are derived from the blood cells and the cells of the Lymphatic system. A fundamental principle of Cancer treatment is to establish the pathological nature of any growth suspected of being neoplastic before making decisions about its management. This usually involves a ‘BIOPSY’; taking a sample of the tissue from the suspected lesion and subject it to a microscopic examination and a histological evaluation to determine the nature of tissue and the cell type involved. While an early diagnosis is very helpful, the survival of the victim mostly depends upon the nature of Cancer.

TWO RARE CASES OF CANCER IN PERFECTLY HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS :

I had served as the Regimental Medical Officer at the Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Seunderabad, India from December 1978 to January 1984. I would like to narrate the stories about two individuals who had served at the AOC Centre who were in great physical shape prior to becoming victims of Cancer. The first case in 1979 involved Lieutenant Colonel D’ Souza, the Commanding Officer of No. 2 Training Battalion of the Centre. He was very tall, handsome, with a well proportioned body built. He was picture-perfect and had no unhealthy habits like smoking. He walked into my office around 10.00 A.M. with a slight expression of a concern on his face. He came to ask me about a pea-sized, painless swelling he had noticed on the gum pad of his left upper incisor tooth. The swelling was of very recent origin and could be easily noticed while brushing teeth. It looked reddish and there was no other discomfort caused by it. I had immediately diagnosed it as a neoplasm(new growth) as I could easily exclude all other possible conditions. He had perfect healthy teeth and gums and had no other medical problems. The Military Hospital and the Military Dental Centre are at a short distance from the AOC Centre. I had told him that I would not prefer to refer him to either of those two places. I had told him that the only way to know the diagnosis of that tumor would be by getting a Biopsy report and the earliest way to obtain the Biopsy report would be from the Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad which is a Post-Graduate Medical Institution which conducts medical research. The Military Hospital has no qualified Histopathologist and cannot provide the report that I had wanted quickly. He proceeded to Hyderabad and had undergone the Biopsy test as recommended by me. I remember Col.D’Souza and my meeting him at AOC Centre Medical Inspection Room. He had returned to me with the report after two days. Col.D’ Souza fully understood the gravity of the situation and the report that he had in his hand. Apart from the Military Hospital, we had hundreds of Specialists in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. He never thought of asking any one or consulting any one about his illness. He had trusted me because he knew that I was truly involved and concerned about his welfare. The Biopsy report suggested that the tumor was an ‘Angiosarcoma’, a very uncommon malignant neoplasm derived from the blood vessels, the vascular endothelial cells that line the inner walls of the blood vessels. It is al
so an extremely unusual presentation for this type of tumor. When we had discussed the Biopsy Report, he was very calm, very well composed and took my advice without show of any anxiety. I am very happy for having met a brave man like Col. D’ Souza. On the very same day, I had arranged for his admission to the Military Hospital, Secunderabad and an immediate transfer to the Malignant Disease Treatment Centre in Pune. In spite of this early diagnosis and very prompt hospital admission and Cancer therapy, he did not survive and I had missed seeing him again.

The second story involved a very fine athlete who had already participated in several events both at National level and at International level and had won prizes. The top athletes who belong to the Army Ordnance Corps are usually posted at AOC Centre, Secunderabad and the Centre took a great pride in having them there. This had happened in the year 1983. This tall, well-built and muscular sportsman who held the military rank of Junior Commissioned Officer, had noticed a painless swelling, about the size of a small orange, on his trunk, on the back near his waistline and had immediately reported his problem to his Battalion Commander at the Centre. The Battalion Commander wanted to get the swelling treated immediately and took this athlete direct to the Military Hospital and showed him to Lieutenant Colonel TMB Nambiar, a Surgical Specialist.Dr. Nambiar, whom I knew personally, is a kind and compassionate person, soft-spoken and gentle in his attitude and bearing. This Surgical Specialist who was apparently preoccupied with his plans for leaving the military service made no attempt to arrive at a proper diagnosis. He had misdiagnosed the swelling as a pyogenic abscess and immediately performed a minor surgical procedure called ‘incision and drainage’ to empty the contents of that swelling on the back.He made no attempt to send a sample specimen to the Hospital Laboratory to ascertain the nature of infection if any.The Surgical Specialist had further prescribed a course of antibiotic injections for seven days and had assured the athlete that the problem would be resolved.I have problems with this type of case management. The lump/swelling in the back was soft like an abscess but the clinical findings suggested that the lump was seated in the muscles and there was no reason to consider it to be infective in origin. The patient had no underlying problems like Diabetes or infections like Tuberculosis, or poor nutrition or lack of personal hygiene that could have contributed to a pyogenic abscess. If it was an abscess, he still needed admission to the Hospital and a full evaluation of any underlying disease. It would be very exceptional for a healthy male adult to suffer from a large abscess. At the end of the antibiotic treatment, the Surgical Specialist was gone and was not available for making an evaluation of the patient’s condition. This fine athlete and his Battalion Commander came over to my residence in the evening to discuss this health problem. The Surgeon had assured them that the swelling would go away and it was not so. The swelling had not only reappeared after the surgery, it was also growing in its size.When they walked into my living room and as I asked them to be seated, I could immediately recognize that the athlete was in great danger and that was an insight, an impression I got from his facial expression. He had briefly explained his story and the treatment as an outpatient at the Military Hospital. I had examined the swelling on his back and could immediately diagnose it as a very serious case of a Cancer, a malignant tumor which had already invaded other tissues and had spread to the nearby lymph nodes. This Cancerous growth was in his back muscles and is often described as Rhabdomyosarcoma. I was astounded by the fact that a qualified Surgical Specialist in the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel at the Military Hospital had misdiagnosed the condition and had subjected this patient to unnecessary treatment. The diagnosis of Cancer was so apparent in this case, I did not need a Biopsy report to confirm it further. I regretted the fact that precious time was wasted by this Surgeon. I had arranged for his admission to the Military Hospital and an immediate transfer to the Malignant Disease Treatment Centre at Pune. Within a few hours of time, after consultation at my home, this great athlete who was in the prime of his Sporting career, boarded a train in Secunderabad on way to Pune for his Cancer treatment. Just like Col. D’ Souza, this Junior Commissioned Officer received my advice with a sense of calmness and I take pride in the fact that Indian Army has brave and courageous people who receive news about life threatening conditions with a sense of maturity and without show of any anxiety.

In both of these cases, I was very hopeful that they would survive and return to the Unit. Unfortunately, their Cancers were very aggressive in nature and the Cancer won this unfair battle during their initial course of treatment at MDTC, Pune.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS TO INDIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS :

I had reviewed the Manual of Health for the Armed Forces-1968 Edition. Chapter VI – Assessment of Health and Hygiene in the Armed Forces and Chapter X- Health Care deal with the duties of Regimental Medical Officer. We should involve the Medical Officer to a fuller extent in case management. It should be mandatory for the Medical Officer to visit his Unit personnel who are admitted to a Hospital and enter a written report about the case management. The Unit Medical Officer should be officially informed when his patients are placed on ‘SERIOUSLY ILL LIST’ or ‘DANGEROUSLY ILL LIST’. This official notification should constitute the authority for the Medical Officer to visit his patients in the Hospital and if required to proceed on Temporary Duty to the Hospital. The Medical Officer should be given additional training to provide psychological and grief counselling to his patients and to the immediate family members. The Medical Officer should be able to refer his patients and their family members for further appropriate psychological counselling. The rules for medical evacuation should be amended and we should authorize and provide qualified medical attendants to support the mental, and social well-being of individuals apart from providing routine curative care and management during the journey. The Army Medical Corps is not a Charity providing Compassionate Care. We have a duty to provide the Health care that we provide and we need to express the spirit of our Motto through our actions. If there is no freedom from sickness and disease, we can still excel in providing mental comfort and social support to our patients and their immediate family members. Kindly share my concerns with others who may be serving in Uniform and Army Medical Corps should deliver in accordance with its Motto. If you have any questions, please contact me using my e-mail address:

rebbapragada@sbcglobal.net

Bhaja Govindam – Part III :

The Art of Diagnosis has no further value apart from knowing the nature of the threat faced by humans and there are several medical conditions where the outcome ultimately depends upon the nature of the underlying problem. However, knowing the reality is equally important and it helps us to face the consequences and at the end the sweet name of ‘GOVINDA’ is the only consolation we have while preparing to lose the battle against Death.

Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam,

Govindam Bhaje muudha matey,

Sampraapte Sannihitey kaaley,

Nahi, Nahi rakshati Du krun karaney.

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India.,

M.B.B.S., Class of April, 1970.

NINE YEARS SERVICE MEDAL – A SALUTE TO THE LAW OF TEMPERANCE

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NINE YEARS LONG SERVICE MEDAL AWARDED BY INDIAN ARMY SYMBOLIZES GOOD CONDUCT AND TEMPERANCE

THE LAW OF TEMPERANCE  :

John Milton (1608 – 1674), in his greatest poetic achievement of ‘PARADISE LOST’ describes Man’s First Disobedience of God, and the loss thereupon of Paradise wherein Man was placed. Adam, the first Man who was created in God’s image and likeness brought Death into the World. God declares that Adam and Eve could no longer abide in ‘Garden of Eden‘, the Paradise. God sends Angel Michael with a Band of Cherubim to dispossess them. Michael reveals to Adam the ‘Law of Temperance’ which could help him to live for many long years. Angel Michael also comforted Adam by assuring him that if he observes the ‘Law of Temperance’, Death would be like the gentle act of gathering a ripe fruit when fully mature.

PARADISE LOST, BOOK XI ( 520-540)  :     

 

 

 

In John Milton's epic poem of Paradise Lost, angel Michael explained 'The Law of Temperance' to Adam, the first created man to face the threat of death.

 

I yield it just, said Adam, and submit.

But is there yet no other way, besides

These painful passages, how we may come

To Death, and mix with our connatural dust ?

There is, said Michael, if thou well observe

The rule of not too much, by temperance taught

In what thou eatst and drinkst, seeking from thence

Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,

Till many years over thy head return:

So maist thou live, till like ripe Fruit thou drop

Into thy Mother lap, or be with ease

Gathered, not harshly pluckt, for Death mature:

THE NATURE OF TEMPERANCE  :

The essence of Temperance is choosing moderation and deliberately avoid excess. In Indian Culture, and Tradition, living in moderation and living in virtue are almost identical. Socrates suggests that one should “choose that which is orderly and sufficient and has a due provision for daily needs”. He compares the intemperate man “to a vessel full of holes, because it can never be satisfied”. Socrates describes the temperate man as able to satisfy his limited desires, whereas the intemperate man of boundless desire, can never pause in his search of pleasure. According to Freud, when “the ego learns that it must inevitably go without immediate satisfaction, postpone gratification, learn to endure a degree of pain, and altogether renounce certain sources of pleasure”, it “becomes ‘reasonable’, is no longer controlled by the pleasure-principle, but follows the reality-principle”, which seeks ” a delayed and diminished pleasure, one which is assured by its realization of fact, its relation to reality”.

TEMPERANCE AND COURAGE  :  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Thomas Aquinas and 'The Law of Temperance'.

 

Thomas Aquinas has defined Temperance as “a disposition of the soul, moderating any passions or acts, so as to keep them within bounds. Temperate refers to a man who abstains from bodily pleasures and delights in this very fact. A man not only acts temperately, but is temperate in character, when his desires are themselves habitually moderated to be in accord with reason. A temperate man is not pained at the absence of pleasure or by his abstinence from it. Temperance contributes the virtue of Fortitude which strengthens men against “the enticement of pleasure” as well as against the fear of pain. A man who is able to stand firm against the onslaught of pleasures is more able to remain firm against the dangers of death. And so “Temperance can be said to be Brave”. The endurance of pain is central to the nature of Courage. Temperance and Courage are not distinct virtues as both are based upon an ability to stand firm against pain and danger.

NINE YEARS LONG SERVICE MEDAL – A SALUTE TO THE LAW OF TEMPERANCE  : 

During my service in the Indian Army Medical Corps, I learned the values of Temperance, Fortitude, Courage, and delaying gratification of desires, and avoid seeking physical comforts and pleasures.

 

During the first nine years of my Indian Army Service, apart from taking part in the War of Liberation of Bangladesh, I had participated in a variety of Army Operations that keep the men ready and prepared for a battle. Military Training and Service can be best described as habituation for a temperate character. The nature of Army Operations and Tactics always demand overcoming the onslaught of sense pleasures and voluntarily delaying the gratification of personal desires. A life style based upon physical ease and comfort, and indulgence in food and alcohol is not compatible with the Army way of life. The nature of Army Operations is influenced by terrain, climatic conditions, distances and the availability of transportation. There is no scope to cater for physical comfort, relaxation, and entertainment. The supply of rations and food provisions is limited because of the problems of their bulk and weight. Army Rules and the Code of Conduct would emphasize that men should honor their commitment to serve more than anything else. Such commitment to Serve with Honor would only be possible only when the man in uniform lives in accordance with the Law of Temperance.

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,

M.B.B.S.,  Class  of  April,  1970.

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INTERNATIONAL CONTROL COMMISSION FOR VIETNAM

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VIETNAM, LAOS, AND KAMPUCHEA(CAMBODIA) FORMERLY KNOWN AS FRENCH INDOCHINA

THE GREAT EAGLE CONNECTION – THE BALD EAGLE AND OPERATION EAGLE 1971 :

THE GREAT EAGLE CONNECTION – THE BALD EAGLE AND OPERATION EAGLE CONNECTION

The Bald Eagle is the symbol of American Power. While taking part in Operation Eagle 1971 in Chittagong Hill Tracts, I got connected to the Bald Eagle in a very significant manner. The military operation in remote, roadless, forest, hilly terrain had some similarities to the Vietnam War that United States fought against the Communist rebel forces. I had participated in Operation Eagle to train and obtain practical experience to fight the Communists. The objective of Vietnam War and Operation Eagle were essentially one and the same. The objective of both these military actions was to resist and contain the growth of Communist power and influence in Southeast Asia. I had participated in Operation Eagle in the same spirit displayed by United States Army and Service personnel who were fighting in Vietnam. The Chief of Staff at the Force Headquarters of Operation Eagle had earlier served in Vietnam and we had frequently discussed about Vietnam War.

This essay is a tribute to India’s peace keeping efforts and its commendable contributions to United Nations’ Peace keeping Forces. Starting with Korean War, time and again, India has risked the lives of its soldiers in peace keeping efforts of the United Nations. In 1972, I had served under the command of Colonel Iqbal Singh who had earlier served in Vietnam and I would also like to pay a special tribute to him for his role at the International Control Commission for Vietnam. Another officer of my unit, Major Laxman Singh had earlier served in Lebanon.

INTERNATIONAL CONTROL COMMISSION :

In mid-19th century, French occupied and established colonies in the Indochinese Peninsula of Southeast Asia. In March 1945, the Japanese drove the French from Indochina. People were opposed to French and Japanese occupation. At the end of World War II, France regained control of Indochina. In 1946, the First Indochina War began. The War became a focus of struggle among the major powers of the world. The Viet Minh forces had the support of Soviet Union and China. France was supported by the United States. The Geneva Conference on Indochina had put an end to this War in July 1954. The Geneva Accords that ended the War resulted in the partition of Vietnam at the 17th parallel. The International Control Commission was established in 1954 to implement the ceasefire agreement between Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and France. Three separate Commissions were set up, one each for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Each Commission had India as Chairman and Canada and Poland as members. The Commission was supported by forces drawn from India, Canada, and Poland. India had provided one infantry battalion and supporting staff. The Geneva Accords created Laos as a neutral, buffer state between Thailand and Vietnam. If countries had adhered to the terms of the Geneva Accords, peace would have prevailed in the region and India would have gained proper recognition for its peace keeping role. An important aspect of the Geneva Accords was reunification of Vietnam after holding national elections in 1956. Under guidance from the United States, South Vietnam refused to sign the Geneva Agreement and did not conduct national elections to decide the issue of reunification. North Vietnam retaliated by its own violation of Geneva Agreement and supported Viet Cong in its war against South Vietnam. The Second Indochina War which is also popularly known as Vietnam War extracted a heavy toll in terms of money, human lives and damage to the fragile environment. The War finally ended in 1975. Unfortunately, for lack of support from the major participants of this War, the International Control Commission had to cease its activities and India’s participation had ended in 1968, 1969, and 1970 when Indian troops and staff returned to India.

ABOUT WAR AND PEACE

The Super Power rivalry had imposed war upon people and India which had won its independence only in 1947 tried its best to reduce global tensions and to promote peace. The Indian military contingent deployed in Indochina was very small and its role was not that of enforcing the Geneva Accords. At best, Indian troops could monitor the activities and help as neutral observers. I commend India and the Indian military for this peacekeeping role, while the Super Powers continued their fight for domination in Southeast Asia. I also appreciate the spirit of nationalism displayed by the people of Vietnam. I understand their struggle and they had taken support from both China, and the Soviet Union in their quest for freedom. I would not blame them for getting support from Communists. Later, they had successfully stopped both China, and the Soviet Union in exercising any control on their lives. In India, the nationalists in their struggle for freedom had experienced similar problems. Indian nationalist leader, ‘NETAJI’ Subhash Chandra Bose had cultivated friendship with Japan during the Second World War and made an attempt to win freedom with help from the Japanese armed forces. In my home town of Rajahmundry and elsewhere in India, we love ‘NETAJI’ and his spirit of patriotism. The people of Vietnam fought with a great sense of determination and won victory over a superior force. The First Indochina War is a war for the liberation of Vietnam from the colonial rule. The Second Indochina War is a war for the reunification of Vietnam which was unjustly partitioned in July 1954.

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – COLONEL IQBAL SINGH OF THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY :

THE EAGLE CONNECTION – OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – VIETNAM WAR – COLONEL IQBAL SINGH OF THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY

I speak about Colonel Iqbal Singh of the Regiment of Artillery for two reasons. He was the Chief of Staff at the Force Headquarters of Operation Eagle 1971. He had intimate knowledge of the military operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. After the conclusion of Operation Eagle,  I had served under the Command of Colonel Iqbal Singh in a Unit in India’s North East Frontier Agency(NEFA) which is now known as the State of Arunachal Pradesh. His remarks and recommendation given on my application for Direct Permanent Commission in Army Medical Corps( AMC Examination of 1972) had helped me in the interview conducted by the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, Ministry of Defence New Delhi during September 1972 to clinch my selection at that interview. Colonel Iqbal Singh had prior experience of service in Vietnam. During Operation Eagle 1971, he had introduced to me the Infantry weapons, ammunition, signal equipment, medical supplies, field rations and other documents that were routinely used by United States Army in the conduct of its Vietnam War. Colonel Iqbal Singh suggested to me that I could use an Infantry weapon used by United States Army for my personal protection during the military operation as I did not bring the weapon( 9mm Submachine Gun or SMG ) issued to me by Indian Army. However, I had politely declined his offer to use a gun supplied to the U.S. Army. But, I had willingly used the field rations, medical supplies, personal clothing/camping supplies and signal equipment used by the U.S. Army in its Vietnam War. This connection between United States and the military operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts is of great interest to me. United States fought a bitter battle against the Communist supported Viet Cong forces in Vietnam and paid a huge price both in terms of human costs, money, and political prestige. The same United States secretly contacted the Chinese Communists and had asked them to attack India in the North East Frontier Agency region to defeat our military operation to liberate Bangladesh during 1971. It had really surprised me as I had always viewed myself as a partner or ally of the United States in its global mission to combat Communism.

THE EAGLE CONNECTION TO FIGHT COMMUNISM :

COMMUNISM IS A GLOBAL THREAT TO PEACE. UNITED STATES MUST CONTINUE TO FIGHT AND RESIST COMMUNISM.

United States of America must stand firm in its commitment to defend Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights. United States had supported me during my participation in Operation Eagle 1971 and the support was based upon a mutual interest to combat Communism to promote Democracy and Individual Freedom.

Dr. R. R. Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Ex – Number MS-8466 CAPTAIN  AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO

INDIA AND IRAN – WHAT IS THE CONNECTION ?

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Portrait of Feroze and Indira Gandhi.

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‘SAM THE BRAVE’-FIELD MARSHAL SAM HORMUSJI FRAMJI JAMSHEDJI MANEKSHAW, MILITARY CROSS, PADMA VIBHUSHAN, PADMA BHUSHAN, CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF 07 JUNE 1969-15 JAN 1973

MY CONNECTION WITH THE ‘ PARSI ‘ COMMUNITY OF INDIA :

Parsi Community in India had arrived from HORMUZ area of Persia. My military career in India began under the leadership of General Sam Manekshaw, a Parsi by birth, and Srimati Indira Gandhi who had married Feroze Gandhi, a Parsi by birth. Interestingly, my military career has ended in July 1986 at KHASAB, on the shores of the Strait of Hormuz.

Parsis are the followers in India of the Iranian Prophet Zoroaster. The name means ” Persians “. According to tradition, the Parsis had initially settled at HORMUZ on the Persian Gulf and they sailed to India in the 8 th century. They form a well-defined community and they have retained almost unchanged the beliefs and customs of their ancestors. Just like other Indians, the Parsis consider the elements of Fire, Water and Earth as sacred. I would like to speak about two members of this community with whom I am connected with love and a great admiration.

1.Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw :

Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw is popularly known as ‘SAM BAHADUR’. He was 8th Chief of Army Staff of Indian Army from 07 June 1969 to 15 January 1973. My career in Indian Army commenced with this Parsi Connection.

 In the year 1969, while I was a student at Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, I was granted Short Service Commission and was selected to join the Indian Army Medical Corps in the rank of Second Lieutenant. I had joined the Army Medical Corps on 26 July, 1970 in the rank of Lieutenant. On completion of my training, I was promoted to the rank of Captain on 26 July, 1971. My first task was getting ready for the crisis that India was facing on account of the influx of the Bangla refugees. General Manekshaw was born in Amritsar, Punjab to Parsi parents. He became the 8th Chief of Staff of the Indian Army in 1969 and his distinguished military career has spanned four decades and through five wars, including World War II. He has the rare distinction of being honoured for his bravery on the battle front itself. He was awarded Military Cross for display of his valour in face of stiff resistance from the Japanese while he was leading a counter-offensive against the invading Japanese Army in Burma. He is the architect of India’s heroic victory in the 1971 INDO-PAK WAR. He had shown uncommon ability to motivate the troops and coupled it with a mature war strategy. He had masterminded the rout of the Pakistan Army in one of the quickest victories in recent military history. I take pride in my military service and my connection to ” SAM BAHADUR ”. This military experience has helped me while I had participated in Military Security and Intelligence Operations at Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf during 1984 to 1986 while I had served in the Land Forces of Sultanate of Oman. I began my military service under the leadership of a member of the Parsi Community which had arrived in India from Hormuz area of Persian Gulf (IRAN) and my military career has fatefully ended at Headquarters Peninsular Security Force, KHASAB, on the shores of Persian Gulf at Strait of Hormuz while I was very actively involved in arresting the growth of Iranian influence in that area.

2.FEROZE GANDHI( “FEROZE GANDHY” ) :

On January 24, 1966, Indira Gandhi became the third Prime Minister of India. She had married Feroze Gandhy or Feroze Gandhi born into a Parsi family. Feroze Gandhi was a Member of India’s First Parliament and had won elections to the Parliament in 1952 and 1957 from Rai Bareilly Constituency in Uttar Pradesh State.

Feroze Gandhi was born into a Parsi family. He was a member of India’s first Parliament. He won his election in 1952 and in 1957 from Rai Bareilly constituency in Uttar Pradesh. His wife was his election manager. He was the husband of India’s first woman Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the father of the former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. His grandson is a Member of Indian Parliament. Feroze died in 1960 but his name connects me to our beloved Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. I was a student in Kurnool Medical College in 1966 when Mrs. Gandhi was first appointed as the Prime Minister. I wrote her a personal letter to congratulate her and she had graciously responded to that letter. In 1967, I was in New Delhi to participate in a National Student Seminar for National Integration . Myself and other student delegates had a opportunity to meet Mrs. Gandhi at her residence and exchanged our views and expressed our concerns on several issues. After joining Indian Army, in 1971, I was deputed to the Office of the Directorate General of Security which functions under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Secretariat. It gave me an opportunity to understand the great leadership role played by Mrs.Gandhi and it provided me an insight into her foreign policy initiatives. Mrs. Gandhi’s decisive leadership had helped India to successfully test our first nuclear weapon.

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – OPERATION EAGLE – INDIRA GANDHI’S MILITARY ACTION IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS – LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH 1971:

Among several people who had participated in Operation Eagle 1971, I may mention the name of Flight Lieutenant PARVEZ JAMASJI of Indian Air Force, the Parsi helicopter pilot who had helped me with my battle casualty evacuation from Chittagong Hill Tracts to our Field Hospital at Lungleh, Mizoram.

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – INDIA’S MILITARY VICTORY IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS – THE PARSI CONNECTION

 Iran is an ancient land. We had trade and Cultural relations with Iran( PERSIA – THE LAND OF ARYANS ) for several centuries. People of Persian origin have immensely contributed to India in a variety of fields such as business, arts, architecture and public service. The Parsi community of India represents my connection to Iran.

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force, was my Commander during Indo-Pak War of 1971

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force, was my Commander during Indo-Pak War of 1971.I used this military experience in the conduct of Security and Intelligence Operations at the ‘Strait of Hormuz’, Persian Gulf.

Indian Army has awarded POORVI STAR for my participation in military operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the Indo-Pak War of 1971

Indian Army has awarded POORVI STAR for my participation in military operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the Indo-Pak War of 1971

I was awarded Sangram Medal 1971 by Indian Army for rendering service during Indo-Pak War of 1971

I was awarded Sangram Medal 1971 by Indian Army for rendering service during Indo-Pak War of 1971

The Taste of Victory. Indian Armed Forces scored a historical victory in its successful conduct of a massive military campaign that resulted in the Birth of Bangladesh.

The Taste of Victory. Indian Armed Forces scored a historical victory in its successful conduct of a massive military campaign that resulted in the Birth of Bangladesh.

Dr. R. R. Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Ex Number – MS-8466 CAPTAIN AMC/SSC, MR-03277K MAJOR AMC/DPC, XSCO-324 NAQEEB/CAPTAIN  FMS HQ SOLF Sultanate of Oman

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO

Related Blog Posts :

1. A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh – September 22, 2007

2. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards – Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007

3. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides – October 28, 2007

4. Sangram Medal 1971 – A Story that I shared with the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services – November 22, 2007

5. The Spirit of a Jew – Revisiting the Birth of Bangladesh – February 10, 2009

6. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 17, 2009

7. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009

8. The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009

9. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971 – August 25, 2009

10. The Art of Battlefield Medicine – September 01, 2009

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SANGRAM MEDAL 1971 – A STORY THAT I SHARED WITH THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ARMED FORCES MEDICAL SERVICES

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Government of India, Ministry of Defence claims that Honours and Awards are conferred within a specific period from the date of the act. For every act, there are two parties involved. I had acted on behalf of Government of India and my action was directed against the Government of Pakistan. At this belated stage, after the lapse of over 32 years, what would be the view of the Government of Pakistan about this act?

 

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – OPERATION EAGLE – GALLANTRY AWARD – LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH 1971:

OPERATION EAGLE 1971 IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS – I WAS AWARDED POORVI STAR AND SANGRAM MEDAL 1971 FOR MY PARTICIPATION IN OPERATION EAGLE

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India had initiated Liberation of Bangladesh with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. 

Sangram Medal 1971-72. Operation Eagle – Liberation War of Bangladesh

SANGRAM MEDAL 1971 

This medal was awarded for service during the 1971/72 War with Pakistan. This medal was given to all categories of personnel who served in the military, paramilitary forces, police, and civilians in service in the operational areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura between 3 December 1971 and 20 December 1972. A lot of people were awarded with this medal. I had an opportunity to narrate my story and spoke about my War experience to The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services during my interview for the grant of Direct Permanent Commission which was conducted during the Army Medical Corps Examination of 1972. 

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC., former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, former Inspector General, Special Frontier Force, former Commandant, Headquarters Establishment No. 22. He is the tall person in this photo wearing dark brown turban. I knew him since 1971. Under his able leadership, the Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced in the year 1971 during the Indo-Pak War.Apart from his military wisdom, he took a good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had individually greeted all the members of my team and had delayed the departure of aircraft to ensure that a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. He paid personal attention to all the aspects of the military mission to ensure the wellbeing of men apart from achieving success in accomplishing the military task. The sense of warmth he radiated is easily felt when we meet him in person. His grandson provided me the link to this photo. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.

The remarks made by Lt Col B K Narayan on May 13, 1972 in my Annual Confidential Report for 1971-72 are as follows:”A very conscientious and Tough MO who worked hard during the Bangladesh OPs. He did very well and showed Maturity which was beyond the call of duty. I have recommended this Officer for a gallantry award for which he deserves eminently. He is physically Tough and cheerful. Is a fresh entrant with less than 2 years of Service and yet he displayed capability and confidence.

 
 
I was trained in the use of a 9 mm SMG or Sten Gun. I had chosen to march into enemy territory without my personal weapon to defend myself. I did not throw away my weapon and I did not surrender my weapon to the enemy which are crimes under law. War is a team effort. My contribution to this team effort is not based upon firing bullets from my Sten Gun. I had totally discarded any concerns about my personal safety and worked for the success of the team. I have shown Courage by not carrying this Sten Gun and in following my team like a shadow and confronting the enemy as a TEAM.

I was trained in the use of a 9 mm SMG or Sten Gun. I had chosen to march into enemy territory without my personal weapon to defend myself. I did not throw away my weapon and I did not surrender my weapon to the enemy which are crimes under law. War is a team effort. My contribution to this team effort is not based upon firing bullets from my Sten Gun. I had totally discarded any concerns about my personal safety and worked for the success of the team. I have shown Courage by not carrying this Sten Gun and in following my team like a shadow and confronting the enemy as a TEAM.

I had participated in the INDO-PAK WAR of 1971 while serving in the Indian Army after getting selected for Short Service Regular Commission in 1969. After the War I had applied for the grant of Direct Permanent Commission and there were over 3,000 doctors who had applied for the few vacancies that were available at that time.The AMC Examination for the grant of DPC was held in September, 1972 at New Delhi. The selection process had included an examination to evaluate the professional skills and an interview hosted by The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services who was assisted by a large panel of specialists and other experts. In 1972, I was posted at a Unit and my Commander, Colonel Iqbal Singh had earlier served as the Chief of Staff at the Formation Headquarters during the 1971 War. My Commander was acutely aware of the fact that I was recommended for a Gallantry Award for my role in the War and that I had not received the Award. On my application for Direct Permanent Commission, Colonel Iqbal Singh , while giving his recommendation, wrote about my operational role and performance in the War. The Director General while commencing my interview took a brief look at my application and the remarks given by my Unit Commander. The first question that I was asked was to describe my War experience. As I spoke, the entire Selection Committee listened to me with great interest and the Director General was so fascinated with my story and he directed his second question to me, asked me to give him more details of the operation. I was a Medical Officer who had witnessed the War like a front row spectator and that was a very unique situation and only a very few get that kind of chance to witness a military operation without being a fighting soldier. He got totally engrossed with my story and he even forgot that all the time that was allotted for the interview had been used up. Since, the Selection Committee had to interview several more candidates on that day, the Director General concluded my interview with openly congratulating me for my performance during the War and he had graciously inquired the other members of the Selection Committee if they would like to ask me any more questions. They had unanimously announced that they had no other questions to ask and I was permitted to leave. A Major was designated to usher in the candidates for the interview and escort them out of the Conference Room was a witness to my performance during the interview. He had briefly spoken to me as I was leaving the venue. He had assured me that I was granted the Direct Permanent Commission and the confirmation letter would be a mere formality. A few weeks later, I did receive the confirmation letter and I was granted Direct Permanent Commission in Army Medical Corps with effect from 07 March 1973.  

Remarks of Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, PVSM, VrC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief,Headquarters Southern Command Pune 411001.He had remarked about my participation in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

Today, I still feel hesitant to share the story that I had narrated to my Director General and my guess is that the operation is still classified information and should not be shared with outside world.  

The story about ‘Sangram Medal’ and Permanent Regular Commission in Indian Army Medical Corps.The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

Poorvi Star 1971-A piece of material evidence in my possession.

Poorvi Star 1971-A piece of material evidence in my possession to prove my participation in Operation Eagle during Liberation War of Bangladesh 1971.

General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force was awarded the Medal of AVSM for rendering Very Distinguished Service during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force was awarded the Medal of AVSM for rendering Very Distinguished Service during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

THE PHANTOMS OF CHITTAGONG : THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH  : 

Major General( Retd) Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force has authored the  book  titled ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong : The Fifth Army in Bangladesh’. He had narrated the military exploits of his Force while operating in Chittagong Hill Tracts during Indo-Pak War of 1971. He did not describe the story that I had shared with the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services. My story was witnessed by hundreds of independent eye witnesses, for example, the Border Security Force Personnel who were manning the Post at Bonapansuria in Mizo Hills had celebrated my arrival with Battle Casualties at their Camp.   

The Flag of Army Medical Corps. General Sujan Singh Uban,AVSM did not discuss the Medical Plan for his Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The contribution made by his AMC Medical Officer is not stated in his Book.

The Flag of Army Medical Corps. General Sujan Singh Uban,AVSM did not discuss the Medical Plan for his Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The contribution made by his AMC Medical Officer is not stated in his Book.

Dr. R. R. Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Ex- Service Number: MR-03277K MAJOR AMC/DPC & MS-8466 CAPTAIN AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO    

Related Blog Posts : 

1. About Guns, Victory, and Gallantry Awards- Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 – October 23, 2007 

2. India and Iran – What is the Connection ? – January 28, 2008 

3. The Spirit of a Jew – Revisiting the Birth of Bangladesh – February 10, 2009 

4. The Phantoms of Chittagong – A Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 17, 2009 

5. The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009 

6. The Medical Plan for Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The Experience of Madhurya in Chittagong Hill Tracts – August 18, 2009 

7. Award of Gallantry Awards – Indo-Pak War of 1971 – August 25, 2009 

8. The Art of Battlefield Medicine – September 01, 2009 

9. Liberation War of Bangladesh – Fallen Heroes on Both Sides – October 28, 2007

Related articles

 

SAINYA SEVA MEDAL – NORTH-EAST FRONTIER AGENCY(NEFA)- SERVICE AWARD

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SAINYA SEVA MEDAL

This medal is awarded in recognition of non-operational services under conditions of special hardship and severe climate. The bar or clasp shows the words ” NEFA ” in Hindi. To qualify for this award, an aggregate of one year service in the North-East Frontier Agency(NEFA) is required. The medal shows an image of Nanda Devi Himalayan mountain peak with a bamboo stand in the foreground. I am proud of my military service in this area for several reasons. In 1962, after Chinese brutal aggression, India lost control over its territory in the LADAKH region and that area still remains under the Chinese occupation. Fortunately, in the north-east Himalayan sector, India retains its control over the territory which we had lost in the 1962 War. In 1972, I was very glad to serve in this area for one complete year and I could personally witness the fact that India is prepared to fight the Chinese one more time and we are willing to do our best to keep ‘NEFA’( now known as ARUNACHAL PRADESH- The Land where Sun rises) under our control whatever may be the Chinese threats and protests. China did not give up its claim over this territory and had refused to issue a visa to an Officer of the Indian Administrative Service who had earlier served in this region. The tensions still exist and I am glad for we are better prepared now and if war is inevitable, we would welcome that challenge. When I entered this area, the first thing that I was told by my Adjutant was , ” Rudra, if you need a copy of your most recent photo, ask the Chinese Intelligence, and they could provide you one “. The Chinese Intelligence was keeping tabs on each Officer who is entering this area and keeping a close watch on our movements. We are neither threatened and nor intimidated by this kind of Chinese surveillance and we wanted to assure the Chinese that we will not be deterred by their Intelligence capabilities. Actually, I moved around this region without carrying my personal weapon. In 1972, this area was totally free of any unrest and insurgent activities. Indian Army had encountered problems in Naga Land, Mizoram and Tripura but not in NEFA. I would like to narrate a few events and earlier I had mentioned about the Traditional Hospitality in my entry titled ‘ Defining Indian Identity- The Tradition of Hospitality ‘.

INDIAN ARMY’S COMMITMENT TO ITS MEN :

In Indian Army, we take pride in looking after our men and very often we stretch ourselves to do our best to safeguard the welfare of our men even under the most difficult circumstances. And we maintain this attitude while extending help to others who may not be members of our Service. I remember my stay at a Company location when a Sub-Inspector of Police came to me asking for some medical attention. He belonged to the Central Reserve Protection Force and was sent on posting to this difficult area without any prior health screening. I am sure that the same thing could be happening even today. We deploy police personnel to work in remote areas and we do not care and value their services. This man was not medically fit to serve in this area and no attempt was made to ascertain his physical fitness to perform the task for which he was sent . Fortunately, he had survived the long trek and a very difficult and physically challenging climb and reached the Government Clinic where I was voluntarily providing services to all civilian inhabitants in that area. I examined him and found his blood pressure to be very high and he was at a great risk of suffering from a stroke which could be fatal or cause paralysis. He had undiagnosed high blood pressure for a long time and I could also find evidence that his kidneys were already damaged. He needed immediate hospital treatment and required emergency evacuation. His Police Department never cared to inquire about his well being before giving him the posting order. Where as in the Armed Forces, we routinely interview the men and get them medically examined before they are sent to difficult areas. I had prepared a note about his medical condition and the signal team had immediately dispatched this message and within minutes, my request was approved and the Air Force was informed to send a helicopter. After a short while, I received a call from the helicopter pilot who spoke to me on his radio and informed me that he was sitting in his helicopter and was ready to take off as soon as the weather permits. That was a particularly, rainy and cloudy day with very poor visibility and the mission was really challenging. The pilot had assured me that he would fly in spite of all odds and would pick up my patient. The control tower was closely monitoring the clouds and they were waiting for a window of opportunity to make this trip while the cloud system moves through the mountain valley. He had asked me to keep the patient ready at the helipad and that he would not be able to spend even an extra minute on the ground. Within minutes, the whole scenario at my camp had changed. The day had started on a very dull note. It was raining and there was dense fog. Suddenly, every body got busy. As per standing orders, armed men were sent to secure our landing strip, weather signs were posted, helipad was marked with fresh paint, smoke signals and other equipment were positioned on the ground. We erected a small shelter for the patient to rest while awaiting for evacuation. A Sub-Inspector of Police was suddenly transformed into a ‘ Very Important Person ‘. He was worried about his senior officers who had transferred him to this station. He was worried that he might offend them by leaving his duty station without their prior permission. I had reassured him and told him that Indian Army would accept total responsibility for sending him to hospital and that we value him and care for his well being and that we would not expect any one to perform duty when their personal health is at risk. The pilot made the bold trip as promised and had safely transported him to a Service Hospital. The Sub-Inspector of Police told me that he would never forget the day on which he could directly experience the sense of urgency with which we acted and treated him as if he is the most precious thing on earth.

I love this award and the opportunity it gave to me to demonstrate my commitment to serve the men who serve our country.