Squadron Leader Tarun Nair (L), Lieutenant General Sadhna S. Nair (R) |
In a historic milestone for the Indian Armed Forces, a mother-son duo has been honored with prestigious Presidential Awards in the same year, showcasing their shared dedication to service and excellence. Lieutenant General Sadhna S. Nair, VSM, was conferred with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the Army. Meanwhile, her son, Squadron Leader Tarun Nair, received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his exceptional bravery in the Indian Air Force.
This rare and inspiring achievement underscores their commitment to the nation and the values of sacrifice and excellence in their respective fields. While Lieutenant General Sadhna Nair’s career reflects her unwavering focus on operational readiness and welfare initiatives, Squadron Leader Tarun Nair’s act of gallantry embodies the courage and skill of the Indian Air Force.
Who Is Lieutenant General Sadhna Nair?
Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair achieved a historic milestone on August 1, 2024, by becoming the first woman to serve as Director General Medical Services (Army). A graduate of the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, she holds a Postgraduate degree in Family Medicine, diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management, and advanced training in Medical Informatics from AIIMS, New Delhi. She also underwent specialized training in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces and Military Medical Ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces.
Previously, she broke barriers as the first woman Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) and the first woman Principal Medical Officer of Western Air Command and Training Command in the Indian Air Force. Lt Gen Nair’s outstanding contributions extend to policy development, as she was an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee for drafting the medical education component of the National Education Policy. Recognized for her service, she has received the Vishisht Seva Medal, among other honours, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in military medicine and an inspiration for women in the armed forces.
Who Is Squadron Leader Tarun Nair?
Squadron Leader Tarun Nair, son of Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair is a decorated Air Force Pilot. According to BharatRakshak.com, he was commissioned in the Air Force on June 16, 2018.
Their dual recognition not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also highlights the collective spirit of India’s armed forces family, inspiring future generations.
On the eve of Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 93 armed forces and central armed police personnel, recognizing acts of extraordinary courage and service. Among these were the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, which was conferred upon Major Manjit of the 22 Rashtriya Rifles and posthumously to Naik Dilwar Khan of the 28 Rashtriya Rifles for their exemplary valor.
Additionally, 14 personnel received the Shaurya Chakra, including three posthumous awards. Honorees include Major Ashish Dahiya, Major Kunal, Major Satender Dhankar, and Captain Deepak Singh (posthumous), among others.
The Defence Ministry announced that President Murmu approved a total of 305 defence decorations for armed forces and other personnel. These include:
30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals
Five Uttam Yudh Seva Medals
57 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals
10 Yudh Seva Medals
66 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including seven posthumous awards
Two Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
Eight Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
These awards also encompass numerous recognitions for devotion to duty, such as 43 Sena Medals, eight Nao Sena Medals, and 15 Vayu Sena Medals, underscoring the valour, dedication and professionalism of India’s armed forces.
