“In the Army Medical Corps, women have been around for years. We train and serve together, shoulder to shoulder. So gender is of little concern.”

General Madhuri Kanitkar is the current vice-chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). She was the former Deputy Chief Integrated Defense Staff and is one of the few women who have made it to the top of the defense industry. Armed with an MD and DNB in pediatrics, Kanitkar’s journey is nothing less than inspirational. A profession from which most women shy away from even considering, she has broken stereotypes and joined the names of stalwarts when in the Indian army. However, in a recent interview, she mentioned that gender is irrelevant, it is your professionalism and capability that makes a big difference. The recent ruling of the Supreme Court allowing permanent commission to women officers was a step pivotal to boost opportunities for women in armed forces.

“My parents and teachers never considered gender an obstacle to achieve dreams. My parents taught me and my two sisters that nothing is impossible.”

Kanitkar was born in a Brahmin family in Dharvad, Karnataka, in a family of doctors. She received the President’s Gold Medal for securing first rank throughout the three years. She even received a Best Teacher Award in 2008. Honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal; she is the third woman to hold the rank of a Lieutenant General. She has a rich experience of 22 years in research and teaching, and has proven her mettle through her illustrious career in the army. During the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, she was working round-the-clock for providing relief to patients and families affected by it.

Married to Lieutenant General Rajeev Kanitkar, the couple is among the first to hold a three-star rank. She advices young women to select their careers not on the basis of gender stereotype and choose their paths to follow it with courage and confidence.

“We need to spend time developing a team and giving credit to each member. Individual brilliance has to be supported by collective competence. Also, focus, balance and time management are crucial.”

Birth Score – 4/5
Pride Score – 4/5
An impressive 8/10 Notable Brahmin Score.

 “As the Army, we swear allegiance to the constitution of India… Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the constitution should guide us….”

General Manoj Mukund Naravane, an Army General, is the current 27th Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Born on 22 April 1960, in Pune. Maharashtra, he did most of his schooling there. He is a distinguished and accomplished Indian army officer who has many achievements to his credit.

Schooled at Jnana Prabodhini Prashala in Pune, he is an alumni of the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and the Army War College, Mhow. Armed with impressive educational qualifications, General Naravane’s personality is nothing less than impressive. He also holds a M.A. degree in Defence Studies from the University of Madras, Chennai and an M.Phil. degree in Defence and Management Studies from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore.

He was commissioned in June 1980 in The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment after which he started his illustrious military career spanning across four decades. During this phase, he has had many commendable accomplishments. He was a part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka and has commanded the 2nd Battalion of Rashtriya Rifles in J&K.

He was involved in various staff assignments such as Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade, Defence Attache at Yangon, Myanmar and at Integrated Headquarters of MoD (Army), New Delhi. In 201, he even commanded the Republic Day Parade in his capacity as GOC Delhi Area. Developing indigenous solutions is what he feels will be helpful in war-like situations.

This decorated officer was conferred with distinguished medals including the Sena Medal for commanding the battalion in J&K, ‘Vishisht Seva Medal’ for the post of Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) in Nagaland, and ‘Ati Vishisht Seva Medal’ for commanding the strike corps. Reports state that he may be considered as he is considered as the leading contender for the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post, after the untimely death of General Bipin Rawat, who was serving as the CDS.

General Naravat is a true gem to the nation and we will remain forever indebted for his service to the country.

“Men behind the machine matter the most. We will make sure that our men get the best and we will look into all their aspirations, needs,”

Birth Score – 4/5

Pride Score – 4/5

A super-impressive 8/10 Notable Brahmin Score.