Lieutenant-General Sadhna Saxena Nair

Key Highlights

1. Current Position
   • Assumed office as Director General, Medical Services (Army) recently.
   • The first woman to be appointed to this position.
2. Previous Positions
   • First woman to hold the post of DG Hospital Services (Armed Forces) on promotion to the rank of Air Marshal.
   • First woman Principal Medical Officer of Western Air Command and Training Command, Indian Air Force.
3. Education and Commissioning
   • Graduated from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune.
   • Commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985.
4. Significant Contributions
   • Nominated as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee for drafting part of the medical education component of the National Education Policy.

Achievements and Contributions

1. Trailblazer for Women in the Armed Forces
   • Breaking barriers by being the first woman in several high-ranking positions.
   • Role model and inspiration for women in the armed forces and medical services.
2. Expertise and Leadership
   • Recognized for her medical expertise and leadership skills.
   • Contributed significantly to the development of medical services within the armed forces.
3. Involvement in Policy Making
   • Played a key role in shaping medical education policy as part of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee.
   • Influential in integrating medical services and education with national policies.

Context for UPSC Exam

1. Gender Equality and Women Empowerment
   • Example of women breaking the glass ceiling in traditionally male-dominated fields.
   • Importance of representation and leadership roles for women in the military and medical services.
2. Military and Medical Services
   • Insight into the structure and functioning of the Army Medical Corps and the Armed Forces Medical Services.
   • The role of high-ranking medical officers in policy-making and administration.
3. National Education Policy
   • Involvement in the formulation of the National Education Policy.
   • Impact on medical education and its integration with broader educational reforms.

Quiz on Lieutenant-General Sadhna Saxena Nair

1. Who is the first woman to be appointed as the Director General, Medical Services (Army)?
   • A) Major General Madhuri Kanitkar
   • B) Lieutenant-General Punita Arora
   • C) Lieutenant-General Sadhna Saxena Nair
   • D) Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay
2. In which year was Lieutenant-General Sadhna Saxena Nair commissioned into the Army Medical Corps?
   • A) 1980
   • B) 1985
   • C) 1990
   • D) 1995
3. Which committee did Lieutenant-General Nair serve as an expert member for drafting the medical education component of the National Education Policy?
   • A) Dr. Radhakrishnan Committee
   • B) Dr. Kasturirangan Committee
   • C) Dr. Verghese Kurien Committee
   • D) Dr. Swaminathan Committee
4. Which notable position did Lieutenant-General Nair hold before becoming the Director General, Medical Services (Army)?
   • A) Principal Medical Officer of Eastern Air Command
   • B) Principal Medical Officer of Southern Air Command
   • C) Principal Medical Officer of Western Air Command and Training Command
   • D) Principal Medical Officer of Northern Air Command
5. From which institution did Lieutenant-General Sadhna Saxena Nair graduate?
   • A) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
   • B) Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
   • C) Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
   • D) King George’s Medical University (KGMU)

Answers and Explanations

1. C) Lieutenant-General Sadhna Saxena Nair
   • Explanation: Lieutenant-General Sadhna Saxena Nair is the first woman to be appointed as the Director General, Medical Services (Army). Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the representation of women in high-ranking positions within the armed forces.
2. B) 1985
   • Explanation: Lieutenant-General Sadhna Saxena Nair was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985. This marks the beginning of her distinguished career in the Indian Armed Forces.
3. B) Dr. Kasturirangan Committee
   • Explanation: She served as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee, which was responsible for drafting the medical education component of the National Education Policy. This highlights her involvement in shaping important educational reforms.
4. C) Principal Medical Officer of Western Air Command and Training Command
   • Explanation: Before becoming the Director General, Medical Services (Army), she was the first woman to hold the position of Principal Medical Officer of Western Air Command and Training Command, Indian Air Force.

5. C) Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune

   • Explanation: Lieutenant-General Nair graduated from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. AFMC is one of India’s premier medical institutes, particularly known for training medical professionals for the armed forces.