The Art of Battlefield Medicine

The Battle Field Resuscitation of Prince Lakshmana by HANUMAN
The Art of Battlefield Medicine.The Battlefield Resuscitation of Prince Lakshmana by Lord HANUMAN.
In the epic poem of Ramayana, the battle wounded Lakshmana is resuscitated by a medicinal herb known as 'SANJIVANI', fetched by mighty Hanuman.Ramayana also describes the Art of Diagnosing the Medical Condition known as 'SHOCK' from the facial appearance of the Battle Casualty.
In the epic poem of Ramayana, the battle wounded Prince Lakshmana is resuscitated by a medicinal herb known as ‘SANJIVANI’, fetched by mighty Hanuman. Ramayana also describes the Art of Diagnosing the medical condition known as ‘SHOCK’ from the facial appearance of the Battle Casualty.
Florence Nightingale became famous for her role in providing CARE and COMFORT to the Battle Casualties in the Crimean War.
Florence Nightingale became famous for her role in providing CARE and COMFORT to the Battle Casualties in the Crimean War.
The Flag of Indian Army Medical Corps symbolizes its Primary Mission.
The Flag of the Indian Army Medical Corps symbolizes its Primary Mission. The Art of Battlefield Medicine.

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE-OPERATION EAGLE-LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH 1971-72:

OPERATION EAGLE 1971-72 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. THE ART OF BATTLEFIELD MEDICINE

Indian Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi initiated Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. This post is related to that battlefield experience.

Army represents a large organized force armed and trained for War. The Primary Mission of Army is to wage a War or to defend itself in a War. The purpose of Army Medical Corps is to support the Army to accomplish its Primary Mission. AMC provides support during the Battle, while preparing for the Battle and to keep the Army Battle-Ready at all times. In a Combat, when a direct or indirect contact with an enemy is made, Casualties could occur. These Casualties could fall into three groups :

Group I : These are killed outright or severely wounded past any help. I encountered such Battle Casualties who died in my presence. However, it is important to identify them and document the nature of injuries with an aim to develop a strategy to use more effective Battle Plans and in evolving better personal protective clothing and devices.

Group II : These Casualties are severely wounded, they require continuous medical support and supervision and transportation to a Field Hospital for appropriate Life saving Surgery and further definitive treatment in a Base Hospital.

Group III : These Casualties are less critically injured persons who need minimal medical attention. When appropriately treated at the Battalion level, they could be immediately returned to the Combat Operations and very useful in sustaining the numbers of the fighting force.

Army Medical Corps acts to prevent the loss of life among the Group II and Group III casualties. In doing so, AMC provides a blanket of ‘Care’ and ‘Comfort’ to those injured and it acts to boost up the morale of the entire fighting Force. AMC personnel take part in military Operations as Combatants and are entitled to carry their personal weapons.

THE EFFECTS OF BATTLE INJURIES:

The battle wound is a ‘CONTINUING’ injury and its effects on the entire body are dynamic ones. If  left unattended, the physical condition of the Battle Casualty deteriorates. Hemorrhage or loss of blood from a blood vessel is a major contributing factor to Shock and death. Most of those patients with wounds of great vessels of the chest and abdomen bleed to death before getting medical help. Bleeding could be; (a) External or visible, or (b) Internal or invisible. Apart from loss of blood, injuries damage soft tissues, internal organs and structures like bones and nerves.

Resuscitation actually means the act of reviving or restoring the vital functions of a severely wounded person. Resuscitation involves those procedures which are carried out to counteract the effect of the wound. Since the wound is a ‘continuing’ injury and its effects on the entire body are ‘dynamic’ ones, the Resuscitation is a process of ‘continuing’ treatment. Since the effects of the wound start as soon as the man is injured, Resuscitation should start as soon as the wounded man is seen. Hence, ‘FORWARD’ Medical Care is essential for the survival of the wounded. Resuscitation must commence in the ‘Field’ where the Battle Casualty is found. The AMC personnel, Medical Officers, Nursing Assistants, and Ambulance Assistants are combatants and it is not unfair to send trained medical personnel to the Combat Zone. Use of a qualified doctor in the ‘Forward’ location is far more beneficial to the wounded soldier. During the India-Pakistan War of 1971, I was present in the Combat Zone and my services were immediately made available to the wounded soldiers. I witnessed the benefits of initiating early treatment of Battle casualties. The concept of ‘Combat Life Saver’ improves the chances of Casualty survival. Emergency life saving treatment must start as far ‘FORWARD’ as possible and it must continue as a Casualty is evacuated to the rear. It must be understood that swift medical treatment greatly enhances survival. AMC must plan to provide Emergency medical treatment of soldiers at or near a Combat Zone to increase the chances of survival. The next major problem which contributes to the death of Casualties is that of a faulty Evacuation Plan. Lack of transportation is often the primary cause of untimely Evacuation. I encountered this problem of lack of transportation during the initial phase of the India-Pakistan War of 1971 but I met this challenge with courage and had taken my patients in improvised stretchers on a memorable long march of about 40 miles and had them airlifted in a helicopter. All of my patients survived this ordeal. The initial treatment in the battle field is important to ensure that the Casualty will withstand the journey to the rear. The wounded patient must be able to survive the journey and should not arrive at the Field Hospital dead or dying.

THE PRIMARY AIMS OF TREATMENT AT BATTALION LEVEL:

1. If necessary, establish and maintain an adequate airway. The basic mechanisms of respiration should be intact. A ‘sucking’ wound of the chest must be immediately sealed.

2. Bleeding should be stopped or arrested. Severe blood loss may not be evident immediately after injury. After wounding, a blood-volume deficiency will always occur. As opposed to internal bleeding, bleeding from blood vessels in extremities can be controlled more easily. The pressure dressing used must be tight enough to control bleeding. If applied properly, pressure dressings will often control major hemorrhage than the use of a tourniquet. The aim is to prevent the onset of Shock, delay its progression and to stabilize patient’s condition to prepare him for transportation.

3. Relief of Pain : Pain induces and aggravates stress. Prompt relief of pain provides an enormous sense of Comfort. Pain aggravates the casualty’s poor condition. Fractures apart from causing pain, also increase damage to muscles and thereby promote further blood loss. Fractures must be adequately splinted. Patient must be properly immobilized to withstand Evacuation. The pain associated with most soft tissue injuries could be easily relieved by the use of Morphine. I had very effectively used Injection Tubonic Morphia/ Morphia syrettes 0.25 or 1/4 grain.

4. Prevention of Wound Infection : Wounds break the barriers against bacteria. Bandages should not be applied carelessly. When applied properly, bandages arrest bleeding, prevent disturbance of the wound by foreign objects and prevents further contamination. Battle wounds get easily contaminated. Before clinical evidence of infection, early administration of antibiotics is useful. I had orally administered Tetracycline tablets, a broad-spectrum antibiotic with very good results.

5. DO NOT LAY TOO MUCH EMPHASIS ON TRANSPORTATION : Hurried Evacuation leads to undue deterioration during transportation.  The transportation should not be at the expense of proper treatment. The Medical Officer at the Battalion in a Combat Zone is not merely a First-Aid provider. He is the most important member of the Resuscitation Team. He must take time to institute initial procedures which will best prepare the wounded soldier for transportation. At all times, the Medical Officer must aim to put a Casualty in the best possible condition for transportation in the shortest period of time.

Army Medical Corps and the concept of CARE and COMFORT
The Art of Battlefield Medicine. Army Medical Corps and the concept of CARE and COMFORT during Battle.

THE CONCEPT OF CARE AND COMFORT:

Army Medical Corps accomplishes its mission of providing ‘CARE’ by making an effort and actually by reaching the Battle Casualty as early as possible. The presence and the physical contact with a person providing medical aid gives the feeling of being cared for. The Battle Casualty should not struggle to find his way to reach the Regimental Aid Post. A Battle Casualty feels reassured if the medical care provider demonstrates a sense of resolve, determination, and purpose in reaching out to the wounded person in the Field. An early and effective medical intervention is the key to deliver ‘Care’ and ‘Comfort’. The human body experiences a sense of improvement when the bleeding is stopped, when the pain is relieved and when you are placed in a position that physiologically contributes to the sense of ‘Comfort’. I also speak about the role of compassionate care in the relief of pain and in the management of pain. Compassion acts like a Force/Power/Energy. It has an uplifting power. Compassion provides both a physical and mental experience to the person providing the care and on the person receiving the care. The caregiver experiences less physical and mental fatigue and would be able to accomplish a physically and mentally challenging task with ease and a sense of joy or happiness. The person receiving the care experiences a sense of calm and reassurance, his pain tolerance improves, he becomes pain resistant and wold require less effort in his pain management both in terms of the dose and the frequency of his pain relief medication. The psychological and physical stress caused by the battle injuries is reduced as the wounded person experiences a sense of joy or happiness for getting compassionate attention. Human touch is a powerful tool in the arena of Battlefield Medicine. 

Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and the AMC Centre and School in Lucknow should prepare Medical Officers to face the Greatest Challenge of its Primary Mission.
The Art of Battlefield Medicine. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and the AMC Centre and School in Lucknow should prepare Medical Officers to face the greatest challenge of its Primary Mission.

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FOR ARMY MEDICAL CORPS:

The lives of the seriously wounded soldiers depend upon the professional skills of the Medical Officer and other medical personnel deployed at the Battalion level. I served as a Medical Officer at a Battalion level during the India-Pakistan War of 1971, and later served in a Field Hospital providing support to an Infantry Division, and in a Medical Battalion providing medical support to an Armoured Division. I had also used this experience in serving the Land Forces of the Sultanate of Oman. The need for the best trained men in the most ‘FORWARD’ location where the greatest test of ability is made remains the greatest challenge for the Army Medical Corps. AMC must orient its policy and training to achieve this end. AMC must apportion training time of the Medical Officer so that a maximum training occurs in acquiring the skills to provide initial care to the battle casualty in the combat zone. To supervise the training of the medical care support personnel, the Medical Officer should also be trained to acquire the professional skills that are used by a Nursing Assistant and an Ambulance Assistant. In the Art of Battle-Field Medicine, no job is a small job.

The Art of Battlefield Medicine. The India-Pakistan War of 1971 and the Liberation of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in Establishment No. 22 under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She approved our military Operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services to 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.

Please feel free to share this page with your friends and others who may care about preserving the lives of the battle wounded persons.

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

Service Number: MS-8466; MR-03277K; Rank: Major; Branch: Army Medical Corps( Direct Permanent Commission)   Designation: Medical Officer, Unit: South Column, Operation Eagle(1971-72) 

Organization: Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO; Vikas Regiment, Special Frontier Force/Directorate General of Security.   

The Art of Battlefield Medicine. A tribute to Florence Nightingale on International Nurses Day.

The Victory Over Death – The Psychology of Warfare

The Victory Over Death – The Psychology of Warfare. The Connection between the Fruit and the Vine. To overcome the Fear of Death, the man is encouraged to sever the attachment to the Cycle of Life and Death which separates man from his true or real immortal essence. Lord Shiva is often called Lord God “MAHESHWARA” is The Protector and the Destroyer God of Hindu Trinity. Shiva physically demonstrates His Freedom from Attachments by covering His entire body with ashes (Bhasma), the burnt residue of His desires.

Special Frontier Force – Operation Eagle – Liberation War of Bangladesh 1971:

Operation Eagle 1971 – The Victory Over Death – The Psychology of Warfare. The Connection between the Fruit and the Vine. To overcome the Fear of Death, the man is encouraged to sever the attachment to the Cycle of Life and Death which separates man from his true or real immortal essence.

Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. This blog post is related to the war experience obtained by conducting the military operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Kachumbar/Cucumber, Cucumis sativus, a native of India.
The Victory Over Death – The Psychology of Warfare. The Connection between the Fruit and the Vine. To overcome the Fear of Death, the man is encouraged to sever the attachment to the Cycle of Life and Death which separates man from his true or real immortal essence. Kachumbar/Cucumber, Cucumis sativus, a native of India.
'DOSA KAI', A POPULAR CUCUMBER OF TELUGU PEOPLE.
The Victory Over Death – The Psychology of Warfare. The Connection between the Fruit and the Vine. To overcome the Fear of Death, the man is encouraged to sever the attachment to the Cycle of Life and Death which separates man from his true or real immortal essence. Dosakai, a popular Cucumber of Telugu People.of India
MRITYUNJAYA MAHA MANTRA
Mrityunjaya Maha Mantra: The Victory Over Death – The Psychology of Warfare. The Connection between the Fruit and the Vine. To overcome the Fear of Death, the man is encouraged to sever the attachment to the Cycle of Life and Death which separates man from his true or real immortal essence.

MRITYUNJAYA MAHA MANTRA:

Om, Triyambakam, Yajamahe,

Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam,

Urvaru kamiva bandhanaan

Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritaat.

This hymn in praise of Lord Shiva also known as ‘Triyambaka’ appears in the ancient Vedic Book of Rig Veda. It expresses a very unique idea or concept about conquering death. This idea has originated in India as the idea is connected to a plant that is a native of India. Man is mortal, and just like a fully ripened fruit falls off from a tree, a man ripe in his age, even when not afflicted by any disease or sickness, would meet natural physical death. This Mantra suggests that a man can become ‘immortal’ (a person  who has consumed the divine nectar known as ‘Amrita’) and conquer physical death (Mrityu) by simply severing his psychological attachment to his own life and liberating (Mukshiya) himself from bondage. This Mantra compares the act of cutting attachments to free oneself (Mukti) to secure victory (Jaya) over physical death (Mrityu) to the act of harvesting Cucumbers (Urvaru). The pedicle (Kamiva or the stalk of the fruit) should be severed to separate the fruit from its attachment (Bandhan) to the Vine.

The Victory Over Death – The Psychology of Warfare. The Connection between the Fruit and the Vine. To overcome the Fear of Death, the man is encouraged to sever the attachment to the Cycle of Life and Death which separates man from his true or real immortal essence.

Cucumber, Cucumis sativus is a vine fruit. It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to northwestern India and is being cultivated for thousands of years. The fruit is harvested in the immature stage and is eaten in its unripe, green form. The ripe fruit turns bitter and is not eaten. The fruit is firmly attached to the vine by its stalk or pedicle. The unripe, green fruit would not naturally fall off from the vine. The farmer harvests the Cucumber by cutting off the pedicle (Kamiva). This analogy of severing the connection and freeing the Cucumber also implies that man should not wait until he reaches a very ripe age to conquer physical death. A man who is still at an unripe age or still young in years, just like the unripe and green fruit of Cucumber, should plan to overcome death or his ‘liberation’ from death, by cutting away the stalk or pedicle which symbolizes ‘attachment’ (bandhan). The ‘attachment’ in the context of man and his mortality could be described as his ‘Fear of Death’. To overcome the Fear of Death, the man is encouraged to sever the attachment to the Cycle of Life and Death which separates man from his true or real immortal essence. By overcoming his ‘Fear of Death’, a man’s ‘attachment’ to the ‘Cycle of Birth and Death’ is severed and he is ‘Liberated’ (Mukshiya) from Death (Mrityu). As long as the ‘Fear of Death’ is alive, man cannot win his battle against Death and mortality. To achieve ‘immortality’, man must conquer his ‘Fear of Death’. Indians seek to praise (Yajamahe) the Lord known as ‘Triyambaka’ for He declared His victory over Death (Mrityu) by burning away all of His desires to become Free from all Attachments. Shiva physically demonstrates His Freedom from Attachments by covering His entire body with ashes (Bhasma), the burnt residue of His desires.

The Psychology of Warfare:

An Infantry soldier to ‘attack’ his enemy’s position has to physically ‘advance’ towards the entrenched enemy and directly confront the enemy. The ‘assault’ on the enemy’s position or site is carefully planned and the Infantry soldier is physically, and psychologically ready for his task which exposes him to the threat of death. The soldier loosens the attachment called the ‘Fear of Death’ in his march towards the enemy. A man who is tied down by the ‘Fear of Death’ cannot physically move towards his enemy who symbolizes the threat of death.

I participated in the 1971 War of Liberation of Bangladesh. The men of my Unit did not recite the ‘Mrityunjaya Maha Mantra’, but they used its concept in their psychological preparation for War and in their attack on their enemy’s positions. Our success in 1971 over the enemy demonstrates that the concept of breaking the stalk or pedicle is useful to gain victory over the ‘Fear of Death’ before we actually meet the threat of Death.

The Psychology of Warfare.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.
To defend her true nature, to preserve her essence, to resist the violation of her personal dignity and honor, Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh, India courageously responded to a difficult and challenging life situation by an act of self-immolation. Her physical being was destroyed by the fire which she had willingly embraced and yet her spirit has survived. She has declared Victory over Death and she lives as an immortal person in the hearts of Indians and gives them a sense of Pride and Identity. Indian Culture and Tradition glorify the act of giving life to resist the Enemy.

In my blog post titled “Proud to be an Indian”, dated Monday, September 17, 2007, I described the ability to conquer fear as ‘Courage’. Courage does not mean the absence of ‘Fear’. Rani Padmini has truly immortalized herself by her victory over the ‘Fear of Death’. She defeated her enemy’s intention to violate her personal dignity and honor. She could embrace fire for she had overcome the ‘Fear of Death’. She lives in our hearts today as a truly “Immortal” person. She is described as a person who declared Victory over Death (Mrityun Jaya).

The Victory Over Death – The Psychology of Warfare. The Connection between the Fruit and the Vine. To overcome the Fear of Death, the man is encouraged to sever the attachment to the Cycle of Life and Death which separates man from his true or real immortal essence. Lord Shiva is often called Lord God “MAHESHWARA” is The Protector and the Destroyer God of Hindu Trinity. Shiva physically demonstrates His Freedom from Attachments by covering His entire body with ashes (Bhasma), the burnt residue of His desires.

The Freedom From Sickness-Sarve Santu Niramaya

The Flag of Indian Army Medical Corps: Dull Cherry is the Color of the Royal Army Medical Corps and is associated with Positive Health, Succor, and Freedom from Disease. Black is the Color of Indian Hospital Corps and it is associated with formless state of creating birth and death. Old Gold is the Color that represents Indian Medical Services which existed in India prior to 1943. The Color symbolizes Sun God or AESCULAPIUS, the God of Medicine.

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: 

Sarve Santu Niramaya
The Freedom From Sickness demands a Theory of Health derived from a Theory of Man.
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
The Freedom From Sickness. What is Health?

The motto of the 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’.

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 the 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, workplace and in the community.

In the Armed Forces, the medical practitioner gives attention to any condition considered responsible for the 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 that 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. 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 the 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 Leukemias and the Lymphomas 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 the 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 served as the Regimental Medical Officer at the Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad, India from December 1978 to January 1984. I would like to narrate the stories about two individuals who served at the AOC Centre 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 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 immediately diagnosed it as a neoplasm(new growth) as I could easily exclude all other possible conditions. He had perfectly 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 told him that I would not prefer to refer him to either of those two places. I 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 that conducts medical research. The Military Hospital has no qualified Histopathologist and cannot provide the report that I 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 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 numerous Specialists in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. He never thought of asking anyone or consulting anyone about his illness. He 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 also an extremely unusual
 presentation for this type of tumor. When we discussed the Biopsy Report, he was very calm, very well composed and took my advice without showing off any anxiety. I am very happy for having met a brave man like Col. D’ Souza. On the very same day, I 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 missed seeing him again. 

The second story involved a very fine athlete who participates in several events both at the national level and at the 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 great pride in having them there.

This had happened in the year 1983. This tall, well-built and muscular sportsman a Junior Commissioned Officer, noticed a painless swelling, about the size of a small orange, on his trunk, on the back near his waistline. He 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 a Classified Surgical Specialist.

The Surgeon 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 retiring from military service somehow failed to arrive at a proper diagnosis. He 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 further prescribed a course of antibiotic injections for seven days and assured the athlete that the problem would be resolved.

The initial case management of this athlete provided no relief or benefit. 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 of infectious 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. In my view, it was incorrect to provide out-patient care.

It would be very exceptional for a healthy male adult to suffer from a large abscess. At the end of the 7-Days 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 his health problem. The Surgeon had earlier assured them that the swelling would go away and it was not so. The swelling not only reappeared after the surgery but also was 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 briefly explained his story and the treatment as an outpatient at the Military Hospital. I examined the swelling on his back and could immediately diagnose it as a very serious case of a Cancer, a malignant tumor that 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 disappointed by the fact that a qualified Surgical Specialist holding the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel at the Military Hospital 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 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 the Indian Army has brave and courageous people who receive news about life-threatening conditions with a sense of maturity and without the show of any anxiety. 

In both of these cases, I earnestly wished and hoped 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 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 counseling 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 counseling. 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 sharing your thoughts on this blog post: 

Bhaja Govindam: 

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 in 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
The Freedom From Sickness depends upon Divine Mercy, Grace, and Compassion or Providence.

Freedom From Sickness. Sarve Santu Niramaya. 

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, 

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

M.B.B.S., Class of April 1970. 

Whole Spirituality – Whole Positive. BLESSINGS FOR WHOLE PEACE: “Om, Sarvesham Swastir Bhavatu (May Well-being be unto all), Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu (May Peace be unto all), Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu (May Fulfillment be unto all), Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu (May Prosperity be unto all), Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.”

Defining Indian Identity- The Pursuit of Pure and Perfect Knowledge

Bronze Chola statue depicting Shiva dancing as...
Defining Indian Identity. The pursuit of pure and perfect Knowledge.
Goddess Sarasvati symbolizes Indian Cultural Belief in the Pursuit of Pure Knowledge and Perfect Wisdom.

Sarasvati thwayam drushyam Veena pustaka dharini

Hamsa vahana samayuktha Vidya danakaree mama

THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN EXISTENCE:        

The pursuit of knowledge is a universal phenomenon. People of all cultures and of all regions have the desire to acquire knowledge. My Indian Identity is displayed by my belief  that some icons could help me in the learning process and in finding Knowledge and to acquire Wisdom.I am encouraged to use three Cultural icons and I am introduced to the use of these icons as the first learning experience of my life. I acquire knowledge to support my human existence. However, Pure Knowledge and Perfect Wisdom is the key, it is the hope and it is deliverance and ultimately it breaks my shackles and gives me the opportunity to conquer the fear of ‘SAMSARA’, a term which explains Indian attitude and understanding about the nature of human existence. I am directed to learn and acquire knowledge not only to make a living and support myself but also to know the nature of Reality.  The pursuit of knowledge is a global phenomenon and it is not the privilege of any particular class of people.        

LORD SHIVA, GOD OF LEARNING:

LORD SHIVA, The God of Learning.
The humble begining for the pursuit of Pure Knowledge and Perfect Wisdom. Learning commences with an attitude of humility and willingness to learn with the intention of using information to apply it in thinking in areas that are covered by that learning process.
The first icon is “Shiva” who is described as the God of Learning.The learning of alphabet “AKSHARA ABHYASAM” began with the writing of a mantra with my finger tip over a bed of rice grains.The five letter mantra of “Aum Namah Shivaya” was followed by a solemn declaration of “SIDDHAM NAMAH”indicating that I am ready and that I am prepared to receive my learning instructions.That is the ground rule for learning.Learning would simply be impossible if the student is unwilling and is unprepared. Shiva ensures that we are willing and obedient before we commence our schooling career.Shiva defines that the purpose of learning is to acquire the ability to think for oneself.
THE LEARNING PROCESS – THE FIVE LETTER MANTRA – Om, Na Ma Si Va Ya.

GODDESS SARASVATI, THE GODDESS OF SPEECH, KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM:

Sarasvati – The Goddess of Wisdom and Perfect Knowledge, the Goddess of Speech or Vaak presides over the Broca’s Area, the Speech Center of the Brain.

The second icon is Goddess Sarasvati who is described as the Goddess of Speech, Knowledge, and Wisdom.The personality of Sarasvati could be compared to the female person identified as Wisdom in chapters 1,3 and 4 , in the Book of Proverbs (the Proverbs of King Solomon, the son of King David, the King of Israel) of Holy Bible which instructs, ” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge.” She represents the value of acquiring pure knowledge.To optimize our learning potential, to draw upon the immense powers of a creative mind, She recommends an attitude of humility,obedience and discipline.The following verse shows that all the Gods of our Culture including Her spouse Lord Brahma worship Her to avoid mental lethargy. She defines that the goal of learning is to transform our minds to make us creative individuals.         

Humility, Obedience, and Discipline are required in the Pursuit of Pure Knowledge and Perfect Wisdom.
Defining Indian Identity. The Pursuit of Pure and Perfect Knowledge.

Ya kundendu tushara hara dhavala, ya shubhra vastravrita
Ya veena vara danda mandithakara, ya shwetha padmaasana
Ya brahmachyutha shankara prabrithibhi devai, sada poojitha
Samaam paatu saraswathi bhagavathi, nihshesha Jaddyapaha.  _/\_

Meaning:

  • Salutations to Devi Saraswati, who is pure white like Jasmine and covered with white garments, with the coolness of Moon, brightness of snow and shines like the necklace of Pearls.
  • Whose hands are adorned with Veena and the boon giving staff and who is seated on white lotus.
  • Who is always adored by lord Brahma, Vishnu, Shankara and other devas.
  • O goddess, please protect me and remove my ignorance due to mental inertia completely.

LORD GANESHA, THE MENTOR OF LEARNING:

LORD GANESHA – THE MENTOR FOR LEARNING – THE ART OF LEARNING WITH HUMILITY, PATIENCE, AND PERSEVERANCE.

Lord Ganesha is the mentor of learning.This belief is so strongly ingrained into our psyche, His idol is worshiped along with the school books placed on the side to remind Him that we are seeking His assistance to learn from those books. He symbolizes the values of attentive listening, writing down words as instructed and patience. In the learning process, He works like a catalyst. He facilitates achievement in the learning process by removing obstacles. He helps students to gain success with a sense of humility. All obstacles are removed and subdued if I meditate upon His face which is a picture of relaxation and total composure.The following prayer specifically guides me to overcome problems by focusing on positive energy that can be gained by reflecting upon a face that promotes tranquility.        

Defining Indian Identity-The pursuit of pure and perfect Knowledge.

This is a prayer to Lord Ganesha, who is also called “Vighneshwara”, Conqueror of Obstacles. This is a Stotra in praise of Him, praying to remove the obstacles on our path.

Lyrics in Sanskrit:शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् ।प्रसन्नवदनं ध्यायेत् सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये ॥
Lyrics in English:ShuklaAmbara Dharam Vishnum Shashi Varnam Chatur BhujamPrasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet Sarva Vighnopashaantaye (Vighna Upashaantaye)

O Lord, who is wearing White colored clothes, Who is all pervading, who has four hands

Who has a peaceful, joyous face we meditate on you, remove all the obstacles.

THE SARASVATI TRADITION:

Sarasvati, the destroyer of Mental Inertia and Lethargy.

The worship of Sarasvati is not a mere ritual.The worship would invariably include all the books and even note books that are used in the school.Books are not considered to be just a source of information but they are viewed as objects worthy of reverential treatment and as such are deemed to be physically representative of Sarasvati. Any disrespectful manner of handling books is avoided. For example,books including note books could not be tossed or dropped on to the bare floor.The floor should be cleaned and prepared and is preferably covered with a piece of cloth or a mat and the books should be carefully laid. Books are never to be used as play objects and not allowed to be used to hit another person. As a kid, I actually believed that improper handling of books would displease Sarasvati and I believed that learning would become extremely difficult as a consequence of disrespectful attitude towards books. Self motivation and high expectation of academic achievement are very important in the learning process.The following prayer to Sarasvati demonstrates the need to prepare the mind to expect success while learning.    

Saraswati namastubhyam varadé kāmarūpiṇi | vidyārambham kariṣhyāmi, siddhir bhavatu mé sadā ||

సరస్వతీ నమస్తుభ్యం వరదే కామరూపిణీం! । విద్యారంభం కరిష్యామి సిద్ధిర్భవతు మే సదా ॥

सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि । विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥

Meaning: 1: Salutations to Devi Saraswati, Who is the giver of Boons and fulfiller of Wishes, 2: O Devi, when I begin my Studies, Please bestow on me the capacity of Right Understanding, always.

SARASVATI CONSCIOUSNESS AND ACADEMIC LIFE:         

My academic accomplishments are not exceptional but the overall academic experience was great.I read several books on my own and derived much pleasure from reading.Through out my academic life,I had competed with my fellow students and had participated in essay writing competitions,elocution contests and debating events and won several prizes.When I was 11 years old, I won the first prize in an English essay writing competition held at the Danavaipeta Municipal High School,Rajahmundry,when the School conducted such a contest for the first time. At age 13, I finished High School studies and by age 17, I obtained an under graduate degree of Bachelor of Science (Botany,Zoology,Chemistry)from Osmania University,Hyderabad. I did well in both Part I and Part II of the B.Sc examination and had the satisfaction of getting the top position among students who took the same elective courses. I completed my under graduate studies in Medicine at Kurnool Medical College in 1970 and on 26th July 1970,I reported for duty at Army Medical Corps Centre and Officers Training School, Lucknow.The Short Service Regular Commission to join the ranks of the Indian Army was granted to me in 1969 when I was 21 years old.         

Among the several prizes that I had won during my school years, I can rightfully speak about my success in one particular event. In 1965,when I was a freshman at Kurnool Medical College, the Department of English conducted an English essay writing competition that was open to all the College students.To encourage wider participation,the topic was announced in advance of the event. It about ‘Family Planning’. The lecture hall, the venue of the event was filled up and the centre of attention was a final year M.B.B.S student who had already won the first prize at a national level competition for his essay on ‘Family Planning’. The general consensus was that he would easily win this contest too. I arrived at the venue without any prior preparation. All other participants wrote about the importance of Family Planning, the methods and their ideas about implementing the programme. My essay was the only exception which did not delve upon those issues. As I sat down and was getting ready to write my opening statement, my mind was inspired by the creative spirit and had guided me to oppose the idea of Family Planning. After that, my thoughts came down pouring and I kept writing them down until the final minute of that contest.When the results were announced, the student community was astounded for my essay which opposed the idea of Family Planning won the first place for creative writing.         

For the last 24 years I have been living in a Land where Shiva,Sarasvati and Ganesha are not relevant to most of the people in my community. However, I still cling on to my precious icons that made my human existence possible. My mind is not still.My desire for intellectual pursuit is active and alive. Knowledge is revealed to me in tiny bits of information. I learned that the human body is made up of trillions of cells.I learned that I have no” CHOICE ” or ” AUTONOMY ” to impose my authority over my body.There is not even one single cell in my body whose functions I could directly regulate and govern according to my choice.This lack of ability to rule the cells of my body gives me a sense of fear. I exist but I am not governing my existence.The people of my Land of origin for thousands of years depended upon two letters, “RA” and “MA” to complete their life’s journey. I am learning that those two letters could also help me and give me hope and a sense of direction and keep me afloat while I cross the ocean.         

In my pursuit of Pure Knowledge and Perfect Wisdom, I seek Creative inspiration of Lord Rama who guides my pursuit according to the Laws of Karma. I should not seek the fruits of my work, the Knowledge and Wisdom could only help to know the Reality and is not for material gain. I recognize that the two letters or syllables of “RA” and “MA” represent Pure Knowledge, and Perfect Wisdom.

THE SCIENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND HUMAN EXISTENCE:       

I am fully determined to continue my pursuit of pure and perfect knowledge and as before, I have my icons to guide me. My understanding of the term ‘consciousness’ has changed. Human consciousness includes aspects of mental awareness, and rational thoughts. I understand the term consciousness not only in the context of a mental function but also that of awareness at a cellular level. Consciousness is a biological characteristic and this trait is exhibited by all living cells and all biological entities. Each individual cell is conscious or aware of its existence and is aware of its internal and external environment. This awareness or consciousness describes living entities as created entities. In Indian tradition, all living entities are aware and conscious of the Creator. This consciousness gives the living entity a biological ability to exist by exploiting energy from its external environment. This energy dependence could only be instituted by an Energy Controller. Man’s existence in nature is subject to this energy connection with an extraterrestrial source of energy.        

Defining Indian Identity. The pursuit of pure and perfect Knowledge.
A Mantra to illuminate Mind – Mind exists in a state of Ignorance or AVIDYA, a State of Darkness caused by the Power of Illusion called MAYA. Mind seeks to know the Reality using Rational Thought contributed by Acquired Knowledge. Reality can only be known by INNATE KNOWLEDGE, the Knowledge, the Awareness, the Consciousness that connects the Living Entity with Cosmic Enery/Force/Power, the Divine Entity. Because of Ignorance, the mind is not aware of the Cosmic Connection that establishes, sustains, and preserves Human Existence.
The symbolic expression of Ultimate Reality – Sound Energy is the physical manifestation of an Unmanifested Reality. The sound AUM or OM connects the Manifested Reality with the Unmanifest or Transcendental Reality.
GAYATRI MAHA MANTRA GIVES A FORMULA FOR SEEKING PURE KNOWLEDGE AND PERFECT WISDOM. SEEK ILLUMINATION FROM AN EXTERNAL REALITY TO DISPEL DARKNESS, TO BANISH IGNORANCE, TO UNCOVER HIDDEN INFORMATION. THE INTERNAL REALITY IS THE SAME AS THE UNMANIFESTED ULTIMATE REALITY. THIS IS SIMPLY KNOWN BY RECOGNIZING THE COSMIC CONNECTION BETWEEN BREATHING, AND LIVING HUMAN INDIVIDUAL AND ITS DEPENDENCE UPON COSMIC POWER/ENERGY.

Man acquires knowledge by sensory experience, internal reflection, and by rational thought. Such acquired knowledge is useful for man’s material existence in the world. Man has no rational ability or sensory experience to directly know the Ultimate Reality. However, man has innate knowledge whose existence is either hidden or ignored. At the time of conception, man begins his life journey by establishing an anatomical connection with a host without knowing the physical identity of that host. At the time of birth, man continues his life journey as an independent entity. He gains independence from his host but he is not truly energy independent. The newborn declares its connection with a Cosmic Source of Energy and Power by its cry. That simple act of crying announces the vital connection between man and his Energy Provider and Controller. The Journey in the external world after delivery from mother’s womb marks a big transition in the nature of Human Existence. The act of breathing begins, the breath of life assumes control of human existence and this connection is the sign of Divine Providence. The Knowledge of Internal Reality that is physically manifest in the Immanent Realm, and its identity with an External, Unmanifested Reality in Transcendental Realm could be obtained by simple awareness of the connections a Man has to make for his survival and existence in this world.       

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

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,     

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

Defining Indian Identity. The pursuit of pure and perfect knowledge.

 

WHEN DOES HUMAN LIFE BEGINS ?

 

When does human life begin? :

CONCEPTION- DOES IT BEGIN WITH FERTILIZATION, THE UNION OF SPERM AND EGG?

“BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB I KNEW YOU”

There is no universal understanding of the beginning of human life. When does human life begin? There are several moral and ethical issues that involve the manner in which we define the beginning of human life. The society is totally polarized about woman’s reproductive rights, the right to abortion and about the destruction of human embryos for purposes of scientific research. The moral and ethical validity of abortion and the embryonic stem cell research depend upon our understanding of the origin of human life. People who endorse the choice of abortion, and the scientists who conduct research upon cells derived from the early stages of embryonic development claim that the human individual begins later in the fetal stage of development when the fetus displays clearly visible features of being a human individual. They are opposed by people who believe that life begins at conception when the union of the male gamete with a set of 23 chromosomes with a mature female gamete with a set of 23 chromosomes takes place which results in the formation of a fertilized egg with a set of 46 chromosomes. The newly formed genome is unique and has a new identity of its own and such genome has not existed before and the same genome would not be formed again as each genome displays individualistic variations. This process called conception creates and brings forth a new being. 

Human culture informs us that the human entity is known to the Creator even before it has formed in the womb and much before the individual is born. Since conception appears to be an act of creation, it should be preceded by creative thought. The fact that human life begins with a creative thought is stated repeatedly in several religious traditions. In the Old Testament Book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 26, God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” and the thought to create man was expressed before the act of creation. The fact that God is involved in the process of conception is stated when God had promised to Abraham that he would father a son when he was nearing the age of 100 and his wife Sarah was at the age of 90. The Book of Genesis, chapter 17, verse 16 reads, “I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her.” Similarly, the Old Testament Book of Isaiah, chapter 44, verse 2 reads, This is what the Lord says “He who made you, who formed you in the womb,” and in the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 1, verses 4 and 5 read, The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;” 

THE BIRTH OF JESUS FORETOLD TO VIRGIN MARY:

Mother Mary holding baby Jesus-When does Human Life begins?
Human Life begins after a Creative thought. Mother Mary was informed about the fact of Immaculate Conception before she gave birth to Jesus.


Human Life begins after a Creative thought. Mother Mary was informed about the fact of Immaculate Conception before she gave birth to Jesus.

The idea of ‘Immaculate Conception’ is the cornerstone of Christian belief and is described in the New Testament Book of Luke, chapter 1, verses 30 and 31 which read, But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.” The idea that a virgin could conceive is also stated in the Book of Matthew, chapter 1, verse 23 which reads, The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel which means, “God with us.” It clearly demonstrates that conception is not an accidental event but is pre-planned and is predetermined according to the will of the Creator. This idea that a conception is a pre-planned event is also stated in the Book of Luke, chapter 1, verses 36 and 37 which read ” Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” The son of Elizabeth is known as ‘John the Baptist’ and his crucial role was also foretold. 

THE INDIAN TRADITION ABOUT BEGINNING OF HUMAN LIFE :

The Divine Phenomenon-When does Human Life Begins?
Human Birth is an act of Creation. It is a Divine Phenomenon. This Individuality has existed before in the past and would not cease from its existence and would continue to exist in the future. Man exists in nature as a Created Being and his Individuality remains unchanged during the entire process of Life’s Journey during the different stages of its existence.


Human Birth is an act of Creation. It is a Divine Phenomenon. This Individuality has existed before in the past and would not cease from its existence and would continue to exist in the future. Man exists in nature as a Created Being and his Individuality remains unchanged during the entire process of Life’s Journey during the different stages of its existence.

Srimad Bhagavatam known as Bhagavata Purana in the Seventh Canto narrates the story of Prahlada(Bhagat Prahlad). His birth was foretold and most interestingly, Prahlada had acquired the knowledge of God while he was still in his mother’s womb and he had shared this knowledge of God with others without receiving any further instructions or learning after his physical birth. Human life originates as creative thought and the thought leads to creative action which results in conception, a new beginning. 

THE MORAL IMPLICATIONS OF CREATION:

Human Egg Cell - When does Human Life Begins?
The Human Egg Cell is conscious of its state of existence. It is goal-oriented and it serves the purpose of the Whole Organism(Mother) and displays functional subordination. If the Egg Cell is not fertilized, it has no further purpose, and it gets expelled from the body. It displays no tendency towards implantation or getting embedded into the maternal tissue to continue its existence.


The Human Egg Cell is conscious of its state of existence. It is goal-oriented and it serves the purpose of the Whole Organism(Mother) and displays functional subordination. If the Egg Cell is not fertilized, it has no further purpose, and it gets expelled from the body. It displays no tendency towards implantation or getting embedded into the maternal tissue to continue its existence.
Spirituality Science - Cellular Basis of Spiritual Functions
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – CELLULAR BASIS OF SPIRITUAL FUNCTIONS. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF HUMAN OVUM OR EGG CELL.



The Human Ovum after fertilization begins its new state of Existence and the fertilized Egg Cell known as Zygote is Conscious or aware of the fact of its Existence. It is goal-oriented and it serves the purpose of the new Whole Organism( Baby). Being aware of its energy dependence, it penetrates, implants, and embeds itself into the maternal tissues to obtain energy for its own growth and further development. While being attached to its Mother by developing a structure known as Placenta, the developing Embryo develops for its own purpose to establish its Identity and Individuality.
 
If a man is created, it implies the operation of a creative force or energy which was set in motion by creative thought and hence man’s beginning becomes the expression of a creative will. The destruction of a human embryo for scientific research and the killing of the human fetus before birth would be viewed as acts of disobedience of that creative will which caused the human existence. 

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

Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India,

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

The Immaculate Conception
The Immaculate Conception (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Testimonials reveal the story of a career in the Indian Army Medical Corps

Flag of Indian Army
The Flag of Indian Army – The Story about the career of an Indian Army Officer.
Lieutenant General V V S Pratap Rao, The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, Indian Army during 1982-83 lied about his actions and the Testimonials reveal that Story.

 TESTIMONIALS REVEAL A STORY: Mr. Todd Embers, a native of Andhra Pradesh, India, who has described himself as an Anglo-Indian, apparently a relative of Lieutenant General V V S Pratap Rao who had served as the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services of Indian Army has commented that my statements about General Rao are completely erroneous. He has further observed that I am making my statements with a malicious intent to malign the reputation of General Rao. He had concluded that I have the problem called ‘ego’, and that I am self-centered. Kindly read his comments at my Homepage. https://bhavanajagat.com/about

I fully agree with Mr. Todd Embers that this perception that describes me as a person of ‘ego’ has contributed in a very significant manner and may have contributed to the hostility and animosity displayed by General Rao in his official conduct as the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services. I would like to submit to my readers that I joined the Indian Army while I was a student at Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool with a simple desire to serve the Nation and to defend its territorial integrity. Over the last 25 years, I have gone through a rigorous self-examination leading a life of utter simplicity and humility and have not discovered the problem called ‘ego’.

I speak about the actions of General Rao as he misused and abused his power to undermine my ability to serve in the Indian Army with a sense of Pride and Honor. He had an equal duty, and responsibility to serve the cause of the Nation and he had failed in the discharge of his duties. I have come to this opinion based upon my objective analysis of his actions. I never had any subjective experience of his behavior or conduct and I do not really know him as a person. His actions which were basically unethical and which constitute illegal harassment of a junior Medical Officer are as follows:

1. He had illegally interfered and contacted a Defence Service Civilian Staff Officer at Medical Directorate (DMS/Army) to post me as a Medical Officer of a Medical Battalion in AIZAWL, Mizoram State, India during 1982.

2. When the above posting order was duly challenged, General Rao spoke to Lieutenant General Banerjee, the Director of Medical Services (Army) and instructed him to post me to a different establishment at AIZAWL, Mizoram State, India without allowing the DMS (Army) to exercise his discretionary powers while posting Medical Officers to their assigned posts. General Rao, the DGAFMS has no direct jurisdiction over matters that pertain to postings of Medical Officers and the Office of the DGAFMS is only involved in matters that pertain to training and the training policy in respect of AMC Officers.

3. When I had applied to resign my Permanent Regular Commission in the Army Medical Corps, General Rao repeatedly told lies to Lieutenant Colonel S B Ghosh AMC, Radiologist, Military Hospital, Secunderabad who had directly asked him to verify his decision in the matter of my resignation application. Based upon the false assurance given by General Rao that my letter of resignation was recommended, I contacted several Senior Officers and obtained testimonials from them. The photo images of those testimonials are shared in this blog post.

4. In the remarks he had written and forwarded to the Union Minister of State for Defence, General Rao had failed to provide information to the Government of India that would best serve the interests of the Nation.

I asked for help and secured a personal interview with Shri. Kamakhya Prasad Singh Deo, the Union Minister of State for Defence at his office in South Block on September 18, 1983.

The Minister was not briefed about my meritorious service during 1971 War and was not informed that I was the recipient of the DGAFMS Medal in 1976. The Minister spoke to me and at the end of the interview granted my request to resign my Permanent Regular Commission as the DGAFMS had not supported his own recommendation to reject my request with objective evidence about my performance as an Officer in the Army Medical Corps.

5. Prior to my personal interview with the Union Minister of State for Defence, Government of India, during August 1983, I appealed to the DGAFMS to review the AMC Training Policy and had specifically requested the DGAFMS to provide opportunities like Study Leave, and permit the Medical Officers to undergo Advanced Specialist Training even if the Officer has completed ten years of Service.

6. The DGAFMS did not disclose the decision made by Government of India to grant my appeal to the Director of Medical Services (Army) and other Units of Indian Army, and to Medical Officers like me who had actively opposed the AMC Training Policy that placed restrictions upon opportunities that were available to Medical Officers who had completed ten years of service.

7. The evidence to support my statements about the actions and conduct of General Rao are available in our official documents and correspondence that is archived at Medical Personnel Records Section (Officers), Office of the DGAFMS, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi – 110 011.     

The Symbol of Indian Army Medical Corps – The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services formulates the Army Medical Corps Policy about the grant of study Leave and the Selection of Medical Officers for Specialist Training. During 1982, Lieutenant General VVS Pratap Rao had instituted a new AMC Training Policy that prohibited Medical Officers from applying for Study Leave and to seek Specialist Training if they had completed ten years of Service. Because of this new AMC Policy, my application for Study Leave during 1982 was rejected and I was also not allowed to apply for Advanced Specialist Training. I had waged a Battle to change this Policy. I won this Battle but there was no Victory Parade. General VVS Pratap Rao kept my victory as a secret until I left Service.
Major Darshan Singh forwarded my application of Resignation through Staff Channels and sent an advance copy of the same to the Director of Medical Services.
Brigadier AM Bhattacharya strongly recommended my Letter of Resignation from Service.
This letter from Lieutenant Colonel D D Singh came as a Big Surprise.
Major Darshan Singh, Adjutant AOC Centre sent a tough message to Medical Directorate, Army Headquarters on 21 February 1983.
Brigadier Bhattacharya had insisted that the Letter of Resignation must be decided by the competent authority.
Brigadier AM Bhattacharya’s Testimonial – Page 1
Brigadier AM Bhattacharya’s Testimonial – Page 2
Brigadier D Jagannadham, VSM Deputy Director of Territorial Army – Testimonial
Brigadier S P Sen gupta, Deputy Director of Medical Services – Testimonial
Brigadier M A George, Commandant, Military Hospital, Jullundur – Testimonial
My personal interview with Shri. Kamakhya Prasad Singh Deo, Union Minister of State for Defence took place on September 18, 1983 in his office at Ministry of Defence, New Delhi. The Minister’s younger brother was serving as Adjutant at 125 Infantry Battalion ( TA ) in Secunderabad. This letter was issued to me by Lt Col Ranjit S Grewal, Commanding Officer, 125 Infantry Battalion ( TA ) on February 27, 1983 several months before my personal interview with the Defence Minister.
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. He had not mentioned the name of the Organization(Special Frontier Force-Establishment No. 22 in which we had served to participate in the military action named Operation Eagle).
Under instructions from the Director of Medical Services(ARMY), I had prepared a second application at Central Ordnance Depot, Delhi and took it to South Block and Brigadier J Verghese signed it while standing over the front steps of the Secretariat Building. There is no AOC Centre Office Stamp under his signature. Myself and Commandant Brigadier Verghese were not present in Secunderabad on 17 September, 1983. After he had signed, the application was directly delivered to the Office of DMS(Army). The Medical Services Director knew that I was present in New Delhi and that the Defence Minister had already granted me a personal interview to privately discuss my application to resign my Permanent Regular Commission.

I met Union Minister of State for Defence in New Delhi on 18 September 1983 and got my Letter of Resignation approved. However, he had kept that file in his office until General Pratap Rao had retired from Service. General Pratap Rao retired and left for Muscat, Sultanate of Oman and he was confident that Government of India would not agree to my request to relinquish my Permanent Commission. General Rao was in fact surprised to find me in Muscat, Oman when my friend went to his residence to meet him. General Rao told my friend that Government of India should have rejected my letter of resignation. It amazes me that General Rao had lied about his actions in this matter of my resignation from Service. He was the Top Boss of Armed Forces Medical Services and I would expect that the General should have Courage and if he was truly convinced with his decision, he should be truthful in all of his actions and utterances.

Colonel H B Hande, Officiating Commandant AOC Centre, Secunderabad in his Testimonial dated November 05 1983 made it abundantly clear that my transfer orders were never implemented and that I am waiting to leave Army Service and the orders from the Government were expected. The Minister had wanted that Lieutenant General VVS Pratap Rao, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services should not be told about my Resignation from Service. All Senior officers and Ministers who had supported my request were concerned about the diabolical role played by the DGAFMS.
A person by name Bhattacharya had recommended my Letter of Resignation. Another person by name Bhattacharya sent me this letter that my Resignation was accepted. This communication was dated 10th January 1984, my Birth Day.
Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,
Service Number MS-8466 Rank Lieutenant/Captain  AMC/SSC;
Service Number MR-03277K Rank Captain/Major  AMC/DPC
Senior Regimental Medical Officer,
Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Trimulgherry, Secunderabad, A.P., India.
 
Related articles:
The Story of a career in the Indian Army Medical Corps

Individuality and the Genome

Individuality and the Genome. A COLONY OF GENETICALLY IDENTICAL E. COLI IS ACTUALLY A MOB OF ‘INDIVIDUALS’.

UNDERSTANDING INDIVIDUALITY: 

Individuality and the Genome. Even among simple forms of life, like the common bacterium E. coli, genetics only partly determines what any one organism is like. E. coli expresses its individuality in many ways. All the bacilli above are genetically identical, but the shades show differences in the production of proteins that digest lactose.Credit…Dr. Michael Elowitz

Dr. Michael Elowitz, Physicist at California Institute of Technology has conducted experiments on colonies of genetically identical (Clones) E. coli bacteria under identical experimental conditions and has discovered that the clones behave in different ways which could be viewed as an expression of ‘individuality’.

Individuality and the Genome. The Law of Individuality governs all Individual Living Things.

E. coli bacteria in billions populate our intestines. Typical E. coli bacillus has about 4,000 genes. Human cells have about 20,000 genes. The bacteria have fingerprints of their own and even when they share the exact same genome, they could still be identified as ‘individuals’.

Individuality and the Genome. Dr. Michael Elowitz and Dr. Long Cai are developing a platform through which cells can self-record their lineage and molecular event histories directly into their own DNA as they create new tissues, particularly in the brain. This research will help to address how individual cells in a developing embryo diversify into many distinct cell types, each playing its unique role in the organism.

The key to understanding E. coli’s fingerprints is to recognize that the bacteria are not simple machines. Unlike wires and transistors, E. coli’s molecules are floppy, twitchy and unpredictable. In an electronic device, like a computer or a radio, electrons stream in a steady flow through the machine’s circuits, but the molecules in E. coli jostle and wander. When E. coli begins using a gene to make a protein, it does not produce a smoothly increasing supply. It spurts out the proteins in fits and starts. One clone may produce half a dozen copies of a protein in an hour, while a clone right next to it produces none.

Michael Elowitz, a physicist at Caltech, put these bursts on display in an elegant experiment. He and his colleagues incited E. coli to produce its proteins for feeding on lactose. Dr. Elowitz and his colleagues added extra genes to the bacteria so that when they made lactose-digesting proteins, they also released light.

The bacteria, Dr. Elowitz found, did not produce a uniform glow. They flickered, sometimes brightly, sometimes dimly. And when Dr. Elowitz took a snapshot of the colony, it was not a uniform sea of light. Some microbes were dark at that moment while others shone at full strength.

At the very least, E. coli’s individuality should be a warning to those who would put human nature down to any sort of simple genetic determinism. Living things are more than just programs run by genetic software. Even in minuscule microbes, the same genes and the same genetic network can lead to different fates.

The bacteria have fingerprints of their own and even when they share the same genome, they could still be identified as individuals.

Individuality and the Genome. Man is constituted as a Biotic Community of socially interacting cells and microbes

Humans differ from one another in too many different ways and it is hard to count. The current human population of over six billion could be identified as the same number of individuals. Each human being has an unique genome of his own. There are millions of typographical differences between one genome and another human genome. Even identical twins are not truly identical at all as identical genes in our cells can behave differently. 

Living entities are not like simple machines. When we use a gene to make a protein, the gene may not produce a smoothly increasing supply of that protein. The gene tends to work in fits and starts and spurts out the protein. Identical genes can behave differently as the gene makes protein or remains silent depending upon the ‘Methyl’ groups that cap the DNA strands and function as ‘transducers’. These ‘Methyl’ groups sometimes fall off of DNA or become attached to new spots. Hence genetically identical individuals can have different physical identities in the natural world. The protein molecules that make up living entities, turn them into individuals. 

THE IRRELEVANCE OF EVOLUTION: 

Individuality and the Genome: CHARLES DARWIN’S ORIGIN OF SPECIES (1859) PROPOSES A MECHANISTIC, NONPURPOSIVE ACCOUNT OF EVOLUTION AS THE PRODUCT OF THE NATURAL SELECTION OF RANDOMLY PRODUCED GENETIC MUTATIONS.

In the natural world, all living entities exist as individuals and express their individuality. The Theory of Evolution proposes that a species can descend or arrive to become a new species by changing its genome in a gradual and incremental manner using a mechanism that is described as ‘ natural selection ‘. The mechanism of natural selection operates via a process of random and unguided mutations in the genetic code that changes the genome and eventually produces the ‘biodiversity’ that we witness in the natural world.

Individuality and the Genome. The phenomenon of Diversity must be studied beyond the realm of genes, genetic codes, and genomes. Cytoplasm and its organs must be studied to understand the physiological basis of Diversity

This Theory of Evolution has no relevance to the ultimate identity of each individual member of a given species. This identity is dictated by the interplay between the various components of each individual cell and its interactions with other cells. With the same genomes or different genomes, the living entities can only exist as individuals and they have no other choice. The evolutionary connections are not relevant to this identity. To understand the phenomenon of biodiversity, we will be forced to look at each individual member of each given species. 

THE LAW OF INDIVIDUALITY: 

Individuality and the Genome. The Law of Individuality formulates the phenomenon of Human Individuality.

I propose that the Law of Individuality governs all the living entities and is manifested in various biological phenomena. The genes and the genetic code function in accordance with the Law of Individuality. I would describe Individuality as a Trade Mark. It is the characteristic of a biological entity. Genes and the genetic codes are the tools that an organism uses to express its Individuality. Each organism assembles its own kind of protein molecules to define its identity and to defend its existence in the natural world. 

Individuality and the Genome. The Law of Individuality formulates the phenomenon of Human Individuality.

Krupa – A force to preserve the human existence

Alpha Orionis, Betelgeuse, a massive Red Supergiant Star is evaporating.
Krupa – A force to preserve the human existence. Alpha Orionis, Betelgeuse, a massive Red Supergiant Star is evaporating.

THE PHENOMENON OF EXTINCTION:   

Krupa – a force to preserve the human existence. The dimming of Betelgeuse, Orion Constellation.

Alpha Orionis, or Betelgeuse is the largest and brightest Star visible to the naked eye near the Constellation of Orion. This mammoth star is slowly evaporating. This massive star is shedding weight and is near end of its life. This red Supergiant star is about 430 light years distant. If this star is now placed at the center of our Solar system, its plume would extend past the orbit of planet Jupiter. Sun towards the end of its life would also evaporate and its expanding plume would totally wipeout all living entities on planet Earth. When we speak about human existence, we need to understand man as a biological species. Like all other living creatures of this planet Earth, man is a mortal being. Whosoever had arrived on this planet, must also depart. Extinction is not merely a past geological event. The reign of Dinosaurs upon Earth ended 65 million years ago and it is marked as Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction Event or K-T Event. Apart from Cosmic Radiation, and Massive Collision events involving asteroids, comets, or other heavenly bodies, there are biological factors involved in the phenomenon of Extinction. Man’s existence depends upon an orderly functioning of the universe. The existence of the Individual (microcosm) is linked to the existence of Cosmos (macrocosm).   

IS MAN BORN FREE?   

Krupa – a force to preserve the human existence.

In the Sanskrit literature, the word ‘Daivam’ describes ‘Fate’. It conveys the sense of belief in God as the ‘Prime Cause’. If God is in control, man is not free to act as he pleases even in his own defense. We may not be able to conduct experiments and scientifically establish the fact that God is in control. What we clearly understand is that the man cannot govern or rule the cells that constitute his body and define his physical existence.

Krupa – a force for preservation of the human existence. Man cannot directly rule or govern or regulate the cellular functions of his own body.

Man is not an independent living entity. Man’s dependence upon external sources of energy, and the biological phenomenon of ‘cellular autonomy’ would not permit man to act as he pleases. Man is not in control of his existence. Man’s capacity to defend his own existence is limited and he continuously faces challenges to his existence from several different directions. If man is truly free, the Universe, the World, and the Society can place no constraints on him. Man is tied down, he is born in shackles without Freedom.   

The Four Fundamental Forces:   

Krupa – a force to preserve the human existence.

The orderly functioning of the universe demands the synchronization of the Fundamental Forces that operate the Universal Order. If there is no ‘ORDER’, the resulting ‘CHAOS’ , or extreme disorder would destroy all living entities. In Physical Science, the Four Fundamental Forces that operate in Nature are described; 1. The Strong Nuclear Force, 2. The Weak Nuclear Force, 3. The Electromagnetic Force, and 4. The Gravitational Force. While these Forces operate all reactions with matter in Nature, we need a Creative Force or Creative Energy to bring into existence each individual living entity which enables the entity to exist in nature as an ‘Individual’ and to live by exploiting other forms of Energy provided by the material Nature known as Prakriti. In the Sanskrit language this Creative Force or Energy is named as ‘Maya’ and hence the phenomenal Universe is a manifestation of ‘Maya’. However, the living entities and all other created entities have no ability of their own to fully defend their state of existence. In the Sanskrit language the word ‘Krupa’ describes the great and powerful Force of ‘Daya’, ‘Karuna’ or Compassion, Mercy, Grace, and Kindness that sustains, protects and preserves existence of life. ‘Krupa’ is a great and magnificent Force which enables man to overcome difficulties, get over obstacles and face huge challenges. The Controller of ‘KRUPA’ exists in a state of complete, and perfect ‘Bliss’ called ‘Ananda’. The thought of ‘Krupa’ delights human mind and is associated with a sensation of Sweetness and it visually brings the Joy of Spring Season described as ‘Vasant’ or ‘Basant’which symbolizes creation and rejuvenation. Krupa being Sweet like nectar and honey; when we seek Mercy and Grace; when we ask for Compassion, and Kindness; it not only provides peace and a sense of tranquility, but also it imparts a sense of pure joy.   

MADHAVA is the Husband of Madhavi or Lakshmi.
MADHAVA is the Consort of Madhavi or Lakshmi who personifies the force of compassion or Krupa.

A HYMN TO SEEK ‘KRUPA’ – A FORCE TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT HUMAN EXISTENCE:   

Krupa – a force to preserve human existence

Muukam karoti Vachaalam, pangum langhayate girim,   

Yat Krupaa ta Maham Vande Paramaananda Madhavam.   

THE LORD OF SPRING SEASON – LORD MADHAVA WITH GODDESS MADHAVI: In the Divine Song called Bhagavad Gita, Chapter X, ‘The Infinite Glories of the Ultimate Truth’-‘VIBHUTI VISTARA YOGA’ that describes the LORD God Creator’s Infinite Divine Attributes, in verse # 35, Lord Krishna describes Himself as The Lord of Spring Season – The Flowery Season: “Rtunam Kusumakarah.”

I pay obeisance (Vande) to Eternally Blissful (Paramaananda) Madhava whose Compassion or Krupa is boundless (Maham) and with His Mercy a mute person (Muukam) can be transformed into an eloquent speaker (Vachaalam) and a physically challenged person (Pangum) can easily cross over (langhayate) the mountains (girim). This hymn beautifully connects the problems of human condition, the physical limitations imposed upon our fragile state of existence, with a limitless source of energy known as Krupa which is the manifestation of Madhava who brings the Joy of Spring Season and symbolizes sweetness, sugar, honey, or ‘Madhu’, and is constantly accompanied by this energy or Shakti which assumes the form of Radha or Madhavi or Lakshmi.   

SEEK THE EXPERIENCE OF ‘MADHURYA’:   

The Butterfly lives by gathering Nectar.
Krupa – a force to preserve the human existence. The Butterfly lives by gathering Nectar.

We need to constantly remind ourselves about the transient, ephemeral, and fleeting nature of human existence. In our life’s journey, we tend to follow an easy course and tend to avoid facing obstacles. Very often, we behave like a physically challenged person and act as if physically incapacitated due to fear, doubt, and a lack of resolve or indecisiveness. Sometimes, difficulties arise without any prior warning and overwhelm our existence. Many of us remain mute or cannot speak up bacause of a sense of fear or because of sheer ignorance. We may not be simply aware of the dangers that may threaten our existence. We should seek the Force of Krupa that brings a sense of Joy and imparts the taste of Sweetness known as ‘Madhurya’. 

Krupa – a force to preserve the human existence.

The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh – The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Fifth Army is the name used by Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General Special Frontier Force, the Commander of Operation Eagle which started its military action on 03 November 1971 with attacks on Pakistan’s military posts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
ESTABLISHMENT NO. 22 - OPERATION EAGLE: IT WAS AN ACT OF UNDECLARED WAR ON PAKISTAN SANCTIONED BY PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA TO SECURE PEACE IN THE REGION NOW KNOWN AS THE REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH.
The Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – ESTABLISHMENT NO. 22 – OPERATION EAGLE: IT WAS AN ACT OF WAR ON PAKISTAN SANCTIONED BY PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA TO SECURE PEACE IN THE REGION NOW KNOWN AS THE REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH.
General Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force.
The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.General Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force. The Commander of the ‘Fifth Army in Bangladesh’.

Major General (Retd) Sujan Singh Uban  AVSM, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force published a book that is titled ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong: The Fifth Army in Bangladesh’. He narrated the story about his  Special Frontier Force that liberated the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the India-Pakistan War of 1971. He did not discuss the Medical Plan for the evacuation of battle casualties.

The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC (the tall person wearing dark-brown turban). The Liberation of Bangladesh commenced during 1971 under the able leadership of Brigadier TS Oberoi. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.
MS8466 CAPTAIN. R. Rudra Narasimham, AMC/SSRC, Medical Officer, Special Frontier Force.
The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. MS-8466 CAPTAIN. R. Rudra Narasimham, AMC/SSRC, Medical Officer, Special Frontier Force.He served in the Fifth Army in Bangladesh.

THE ORGANIZATION OF MEDICAL SUPPORT IN THE BATTLEFIELD:

Each Unit or Regiment of the Armed Forces operating in the Field have to initially take care of their wounded soldiers at the Front Line of real combat. Units in the Field often set up a Regimental Aid Post (RAP) to give medical support. The Army Medical Corps positions its staff which includes Ambulance Assistants, Nursing Assistants, and Medical Officers who give this morale-boosting blanket of comfort. However, the medical resources that are available at RAP are very limited. Because of the distances, time, and practical difficulties involved, the battle casualties are evacuated from the forward-most line of contact to the nearest Field Hospital of the field formation/Division by positioning Staging Posts along the Chain of Medical Evacuation. A Staging Post that is often used is known as the Advanced Dressing Station (ADS) which supports the regimental Units of a brigade. At the ADS, the battle casualty could be resuscitated by intravenous fluids. Apart from resources like stretchers and blankets, the ADS can deploy ambulances to speedily evacuate wounded men to a Field Hospital or another intermediate Medical Staging Post. 

THE MEDICAL PLAN FOR THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH:

This retired Indian Air Force Officer, Parvez Jamasji was the pilot of the helicopter that provided airlift support to my Unit called South Column during our military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In due recognition of his gallant action, he was awarded the Gallantry Award of Vir Chakra. This helicopter pilot knows the Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh.
The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This retired Indian Air Force Officer, Parvez Jamasji was the pilot of the helicopter that provided airlift support to my Unit called South Column during our military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In due recognition of his gallant action, he was awarded the Gallantry Award of Vir Chakra. This helicopter pilot knows the Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh.

The Fifth Army was tasked to operate independently with very limited logistical support. During the initial phases of the military operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the men had operated on foot, on a ‘Man-Pack’ basis in roadless forests. A military Field Hospital with a Surgical Team was established at Lungleh or Lunglei in the Mizo Hills. Between the battle field and the Hospital, there were no Medical Staging Posts along the route of Casualty Evacuation. The Fifth Army did not set up any Advanced Dressing Stations. The Medical Plan was to initially provide medical support at any place selected by the Battalion in the Field and to directly evacuate the casualty to Lungleh by using helicopters. It was indeed a simple plan. None of us including my Battalion Commander Colonel B K Narayan, Brigadier T S Oberoi, the field Commander of this task Force, and his Chief of Staff Colonel Iqbal Singh had ever imagined that there could be a big surprise in the execution of this straight forward Medical Evacuation Plan.

The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.The India-Pakistan 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 the Chittagong Hill Tracts. To make the distinction between the Indian Armed Forces and the Special Frontier Force, our Inspector General coined the phrase The ‘Fifth Army in Bangladesh’. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed the Prime Minister’s personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and overcame 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 inside enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

A SHOCKING SURPRISE AND A COURAGEOUS RESPONSE:

The first attack on the enemy position was made by the men led by Major Savender Singh Negi and Major G B Velankar of my South Column Unit which was Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan of the Regiment of Artillery, the first Gunner Officer to Command and participate in an Infantry style assault in the conduct of military action. Another Gunner Officer of the Regiment of Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel Krishan Lal Vasudeva Commanded the Central Column Unit of this Operation . Later, both the Company Commanders of my South Column Unit received the Gallantry Awards of Vir Chakra for the courage displayed by them. In the India-Pakistan War of 1971, these two Officers were the first  decorated apart from Major Raj Kumar Malhotra 4 PARA who was with the North Column Unit under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Prasanta Coomar Purkayastha of Garhwal Rifles. As this successful attack of South Column Unit was concluding, my Unit Commander was informed that an airlift of battle casualties was not possible due to tactical and working difficulties as at that time the Prime Minister of India did not specifically sanction the entry of Indian aircraft into the Pakistani airspace. A helicopter flight to the enemy post that we captured was not possible on that day. Most of the enemy defenders of the post that we attacked had escaped into the forest. The enemy could regroup and launch a counterattack to retake their lost position. Our men without wasting any time had taken up the defensive positions and were ready to fight if the enemy wanted to retake the post.

The use of helicopter airlift for air medical evacuation was vital to ensure the success of our military expedition. The men reacted to the news with a sense of utter disbelief. We were inside the enemy territory without stretchers, blankets and equipment for the proper conduct of ground medical evacuation. The nearest Border Security Force (BSF) outpost on the Indian border was over forty miles away. This BSF Post had a secure helipad. The challenge we had faced was to carry our battle casualties across a difficult terrain and to keep them alive until they could get to the helipad. None of the wounded were in a condition to walk on their own. All of them needed transportation as lying patients in stretchers. The Unit had not come ready to use any of its men as Stretcher Bearers. Each man had an assigned role in his own Platoon/Company. I willingly accepted to respond to this challenge and assume the responsibility to safely evacuate my patients and go with them on a foot journey to the BSF Post. The morale of the men got instantly boosted up. Pointing towards the stands of Bamboo, I suggested to the men that we could make our own improvised stretchers. It was a pleasure to watch these smart and talented men who went into action and the stretchers were assembled and ready for use in a short time. I did not get a chance to offer any guidance about how to prepare an improvised stretcher. They had entirely acted on their own.

THE MEDICAL EVACUATION – A MEMORABLE FOOT JOURNEY:

A Personal Tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, The Regiment of Artillery, Indian Army.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kaaba-07.jpg
A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971: Glorious Quran, Surah VIII, SPOILS OF WAR, Verse 01: “And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah.Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.”

My South Column Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan had to make a very difficult decision. He had to spare his fighting men for performing the duty of stretcher bearers. He assembled a party of about sixty or sixty-five men to lift and carry the stretchers and to defend the party. Stretcher bearing is a difficult task. A Bangla Muslim refugee was given to us as a guide. He did not depute any of the Infantry Officers to go with us on this tedious mission. I did not make any such demand. My medical staff, the AMC Nursing Assistants were distributed to different Companies and I wanted them to stay at their posts as the situation on the ground was still unpredictable. Hence, I was the only Army Medical Corps medical support person in this entire party proceeding on a foot journey to the BSF Post at Bonapansuria in Mizo Hills. After marching for over three hours, the nightfall and darkness obscured our path and we could not move any further. We decided to halt for the night on that jungle track. The men took turns to stay awake and remained vigilant. I kept a close watch on the condition of my patients, provided comfort and assurance and encouraged them to keep drinking small amounts of water to keep them hydrated and to prevent shock associated with blood loss due to injuries. I administered the water and medications (broad spectrum antibiotic pills to prevent wound infection and Injection Tubonic Morphia to relieve pain), checked and applied dressings and bandages as needed. We were concerned about the Mizo rebel activity in those forests. Fortunately, we spent the night without any untoward incident. We continued our march early morning before the sunrise and finally reached a stream that marks the boundary between the Indian Mizo Hills and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The water level in the stream was low. We waded through knee level water with our stretchers. The BSF Post police personnel at Bonapansuria were delighted to receive us. They had rejoiced because of our recent victory and for capturing the enemy post. The staff at the Bonapansuria BSF Post were among the first group of Indians who knew about our military expedition and its success in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The helicopter had soon arrived at that BSF Post to further transport my patients to the Field Hospital in Lungleh. All of my patients survived this prolonged ordeal. They remained calm and hopeful during the entire trip. I only used the very basic principles of Medicine and Resuscitation to give support to my patients. I had arrested bleeding, prevented further blood loss, provided relief from pain, and kept them well-hydrated. My physical presence provided them with a sense of reassurance that they needed. I was their doctor, their nurse, and their medical attendant during our march. This was a memorable, one of its kind medical evacuation story in the history of the Indian Army Medical Corps. If I had shown a sense of resolve, determination, and confidence, it was because of  all these wonderful people acting as my eyewitnesses. I was performing in front of their eyes. They had absolute trust in my abilities. My patients not only survived but also cheerfully provided a telling testimony to others who had visited them at the Field Hospital in Lungleh. That was the Force/Energy/Power of ‘Krupa’ that had lifted us and carried us through this difficult medical mission. 

THE EXPERIENCE OF ‘MADHURYA’ (SWEETNESS) AND A CHAKMA EYEWITNESS:

THE BUTTERFLY KNOWS THE SWEETNESS OF NECTAR(MADHU).
The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The butterfly knows the Sweetness of Nectar (Madhu).

The hand that bestows ‘KRUPA’ would not be seen. I describe ‘KRUPA’ as a Force/Energy/Power. The recipient of ‘KRUPA’ would only experience ‘MADHURYA’ or a sense of Sweetness. At the conclusion of our medical mission, we were not feeling tired. We were simply filled with JOY. We were ready to walk back immediately and rejoin the Unit in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We started back, briskly walking through the forest without any breaks. Due to security concerns, we did not bunch up as a single group. The men remained vigilant with their loaded weapons and were fully ready to engage any enemy. During that return trip through the forest, to my utter surprise, a young Chakma male appeared before me, apparently from nowhere. The Bangla Muslim refugee guide who was walking slightly ahead of me had stopped. The Chakma tribe speak a Bengali dialect. He spoke to the Bangla guide and could communicate that he needed my help. His father was bedridden and was in great pain. I was totally shocked to know that this unknown Chakma living in the middle of a forest had correctly identified me as a doctor of medicine. At that moment, I just looked like any other soldier. My Olive Green uniform was crumpled and dirty. I was in the same clothes for more than seven days both day and night. I had not changed my socks. I had no shower and I had not shaved. This Chakma youth had not bothered to stop other men who were in my party hurriedly walking. He had not only approached me, but also he had a very specific reason for stopping me. For he had correctly known my identity, I guess that he had actually observed me while I was at work. He was my silent eyewitness. He knew the trip we made through the forest on the previous day. He had quietly observed while I nursed and treated my patients. I did not want to refuse his request for help for he had correctly identified me . I was a known stranger. I was not a soldier running through the forest. The Chakma had eyes that could see. He correctly comprehended my trade and understood that I help people who are in pain. When our party was returning, he decided to make use of that opportunity to seek my help. He did not treat me as a threat to his existence but as someone who could help his existence. I agreed to go with him to his house. I was shocked when he pointed his house to me. He lives in a tree house which was hidden from our view when we walked on the track near the house. He dropped a ladder for my use. I asked my Bangla Guide to stay on the ground. My escort party of armed men were not alerted and they stayed at about twenty feet distance from that tree and had no clue about my sudden disappearance. I did not want the Chakma family to feel intimidated by our presence in their area. I climbed up and entered the living room to find a Chakma man, the father of this young man who had stopped me. He was lying on the floor and was in pain. He had an ear infection which was giving him a terrible pain. I dried up the ear discharge and showed him  the importance of keeping the ear dry by using the cotton swab sticks that I provided him. I instilled antibiotic ear drops and showed him the way to instill ear drops after gently drying any discharge. I had a tube full of antibiotic pills. I also gave him pills for his pain and a supply of multivitamin pills. All of these pills come in different colors. I could instruct him in the use of the  pills that I dispensed. I personally administered the pills and he felt better with my brief visit and intervention. I climbed down the ladder to rejoin my Bangla Guide and the escort party and we made a safe return trip to our Unit location.

THE FORCE, ENERGY, AND POWER OF ‘KRUPA’:

During this entire foot journey of over eighty miles, I had no sense of tiredness or physical fatigue. I had no sense of resentment or bitterness for making this trip which was not included in our initial Medical Plan for Casualty Evacuation. I did not experience even a trace of fear about my personal safety or wellbeing. The experience of ‘MADHURYA’ was such; I was not irritated when a Chakma man had suddenly stopped me. I gave him no excuses. I entered the stranger’s house without my personal weapon and without any concern about my personal security. I provided him the medicines he needed for his recovery.

The young Chakma man displayed courage in approaching me and stopping me while I was in the company of a  large group of armed men. The previous day he had apparently watched us silently as we journeyed through the forest. He had overcome that sense of fear that forced him to stay mute. He was able to communicate with a stranger who does not belong to his Land or Community. On my part, I had no desire and had no initiative that could have let me climb a tree and enter a treehouse. Just like a physically handicapped person would have declined the challenge of climbing a tree, I would not have exercised my physical ability in climbing a tree and taking the risk of entering an unknown dwelling. The Chakma did not use a threat or coerce me in any way. My actions were directed by a higher Force which dispelled any concerns about personal security.

If I had crossed  and jumped over a physical barrier, I should attribute that action to an external Power that lifted me from the ground. I simply acted in obedience to a higher Force or Energy and not according to my personal will and choice. I was propelled by an external Force of compassion to serve an unknown person who was confined to his treehouse.

I do not seek any personal credit or recognition for rendering medical help to an unknown forest dweller. I did not discuss the findings of my house visit with my Bangla guide or with the rest of the soldiers who were waiting for me. I did not describe this incident to my Unit Commander and to other Officers upon joining them. We just got busy with preparations for our next move to accomplish the goals of our military expedition to the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

I am describing this incident and making an effort to put this incident into Public Record to recognize ‘KRUPA’ as an external Force that changes the human behavior and actions. We respond to its Energy and act in obedience to its Power. The Force of ‘KRUPA’ changes the course of our physical life. ‘KRUPA’ empowers the human mind and propels our life’s journey in a new direction.

In the Armed Forces, the Code of Conduct demands that its members should greet and ‘SALUTE’ a Superior Officer. I ‘SALUTE’ that Superior Power of ‘KRUPA’ for I recognize its ability to control my physical movements and actions.

WHO HAS EVER SEEN THE ‘HAND OF KRUPA’ ?

The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Lord Madhava is the Companion of Msdhavi the Shakti, Power/Force/Energy that is Controlled by Lord Madhava. The Divine Function/Action with which this Shakti or Force of Madhavi uplifts a person is known by the Experience of Madhurya or Sweetness. Madhavi also means Madhu, Honey, or Nectar and Sweetness.

When we speak about Lord’s Compassion and Mercy and when we seek His Grace to protect our existence, do we ever get a chance to actually see the ‘HAND OF KRUPA’ which might deliver us the uplifting feeling?

This Chakma man was sick and was suffering with pain even before Indian Army attacked the enemy post in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He was confined to his treehouse unknown to any of us. He had no chance of getting any help from the external world. We carefully planned to avoid any direct contact with Chakma tribal, forest dwellers and other civilian noncombatants during the course of our military expedition. We planned to directly attack the enemy positions and help the Bangla Muslim refugees to return to their homes which were at a much farther distance in fully inhabited areas. This foot journey for medical evacuation was a total surprise and was not planned. I wonder if the Chakma patient prayed for the medical intervention that had happened. If the helicopter had arrived to provide airlift, I would have never made that journey. Did the prayer of the Chakma patient had the power to stop the helicopter arriving for the battlefield casualty evacuation? The next day, a helicopter flight  landed at that particular enemy post without any problem and an Officer who was posted to our Unit arrived to report for his duty.  

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

Service Number. MS-8466 Rank. Captain AMC/SSC 

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  A.P.O.

The Medical Plan for the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. The Experience of Madhurya in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.In a hilly, forest terrain, the use of aerial firepower or bombing campaigns will not dislodge the enemy. The enemy must be found on the ground and must be directly attacked.

The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts

View of lush green Bandarban hills and valley
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts

Special Frontier Force – Operation Eagle – Liberation War of Bangladesh 1971:

The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts

Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India initiated Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This battle plan is known as Operation Eagle.

A PHOTO ID PICTURE TAKEN IN 1972 AFTER THE LIBERATION WAR.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I joined the Indian Army Medical Corps in the rank of Lieutenant and was issued an Army Photo ID at AMC Centre, Lucknow. On July 26, 1971, I was promoted to the rank of Captain and as my Unit could not verify the Gazette of India Notification, I continued to wear the badges of rank of a Lieutenant until February 1972. The Passport photo for the above Army Photo ID was taken in a photo studio in Doom Dooma, Tinsukia District, Assam.

In this picture, I have no medal ribbons to display. The medals for participation in the India-Pakistan War of 1971 had arrived later.

Major General Sujan Singh Uban, the Commander of Special Frontier Force.
Major General Sujan Singh Uban, the Commander of Special Frontier Force.The Commander of the ‘Fifth Army’ in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

General Sujan Singh Uban had narrated his story in his book titled ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong : The Fifth Army in Bangladesh.

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General 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 the 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.
A VIEW OF INDIAN MIZO HILLS FROM CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. A VIEW OF INDIAN MIZO HILLS FROM CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS
Rivers and streams flow throughout the region of Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Rivers and streams flow throughout the region of Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Early morning dense fog and mist in Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts Early morning dense fog and mist in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
I used a large waterproof poncho to get protection from early morning mist and dew.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I used a large waterproof poncho to get protection from early morning mist and dew.
The Fifth Army operated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Fifth Army operated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Chittagong Hill Tracts is sparsely populated with isolated dwellings.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Chittagong Hill Tracts is sparsely populated with isolated dwellings.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts
The Simplicity of Chakma Existence.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Simplicity of Chakma Existence.
The CHAKMA posed no threat but we had avoided direct contact.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Chakma posed no threat but we had avoided direct contact. The Chakma Ruler or King had earlier announced his support of Pakistan’s military regime.
I had camped at Kaptai Lake and it is memorable.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I had camped at Kaptai Lake and it is memorable.
I had regularly visited men deployed in Kaptai Lake Area.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I had regularly visited men deployed in Kaptai Lake Area.
We had never planned to blow up the dam over Karnaphuli River at KAPTAI.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We had never executed the plan to blow up the dam over Karnaphuli River at Kaptai; we have indeed carried some explosives and as the Enemy withdrew his forces, we had no need to blow up the Dam on Karnaphuli River.
For brief moments during 1971, messages in TELUGU language had appeared in the radio waves transmitted across Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. For brief moments during 1971, messages in Telugu language had appeared in the radio waves transmitted across the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
We had operated in an area under the operational control of IV CORPS.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We had operated in an area under the operational control of IV CORPS but did not provide the details of our operation to either IV Corps or HQ Eastern Command.
The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, the Southern Army Commander during 1983, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force is seen in this photo wearing a helmet. The photo was taken during 1982 while he had visited A S C Centre, Bangalore. He would have executed Operation Blue Star with due care and concern to save the lives of his men and also the civilians.

General T S Oberoi had exuded a natural sense of affection and warmth for he had truly cared about the men under his Command and this is a quality that men would seek in the Chief of Army Staff and he was denied that opportunity. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made a political choice and had appointed General K S Sundarji as the Chief of Army Staff. General T S Oberoi, the senior Army Commander, had to unfortunately retire from Service in 1985 and was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and served in that capacity until 1989.

In the history of Indian Army Medical Corps for the first time during 1971 I had provided the services of a Medical Officer, a Nursing Assistant, and an Ambulance Assistant.
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.
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 the ‘Fifth Army’s 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.

I am pleased to claim that I had established an entirely new record in providing medical support to the battle wounded in an operational area of Chittagong Hill Tracts during Operation Eagle 1971, Liberation War of Bangladesh. To provide medical support to the battle casualties, I had reached the casualties at the enemy post that we had just captured. I was the only Army Medical Corps person on the ground. We had no stretchers, blankets, and resuscitation fluids. The casualties could not be airlifted as per the prior Medical Evacuation Plan. The men felt outraged. I had comforted them with my assurance that I would accompany them to the nearest helipad that was located over forty miles away at the  Border Security Force outpost of Bonapansuria near the border in the Indian Mizo Hills. The men prepared improvised stretchers. We had no Infantry Officer to accompany us. A party of about 65 men, a Bangla Refugee as a guide, carried all the battle casualties in stretchers and had camped overnight in the forest and had reached the helipad at Bonapansuria the next day morning. I had acted as the Medical Officer, the Nursing Assistant, and an Ambulance Assistant for the battle wounded during this foot journey through the difficult hilly and forest terrain. They had reached the Field Hospital in Lungleh in very good spirits and in a stable condition in spite of being critically wounded.

Lungleh, or Lunglei, was the destination for my battle wounded patients.
Lungleh, or Lunglei, was the destination for my battle wounded patients.
A Personal Tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, The Regiment of Artillery, Indian Army.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kaaba-07.jpg
A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971: Glorious Quran, Surah VIII, SPOILS OF WAR, Verse 01: “And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah.Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
THE FLAG OF INDIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.
THE FLAG OF INDIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.

The sense of resolve, determination, and confidence with which I had accompanied my patients and had performed a foot journey walking over forty miles through the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts during Operation Eagle 1971 had given the sense of comfort and reassurance the men needed to boost up their morale. In the medical evacuation of battle casualties from the battle field, Army Medical Corps typically uses several Nursing Assistants and Ambulance Assistants who perform a variety of tasks. I had the unique privilege to perform their duties for I have a true sense of appreciation for the valuable services they render in providing patient care and comfort. I had actually self-learned the tasks they perform and knew it would be of a great value and an asset for my success as a Medical officer of Indian Army.

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

Personal Number. MS-8466 Rank. Captain  AMC/SSC

Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971

Headquarters Establishment No. 22  C/O  56  APO

The Fifth Army – The Untold Story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts: In 1971, Special Frontier Force initiated Liberation of Bangladesh with military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts with Battle Plan Code-named Operation Eagle. This Operation is not governed by Army Act 1950.