Vice Admiral Arti Sarin: First Woman to Lead DGAFMS

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has become the first woman to head the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) in India. Sarin, the 46th DGAFMS, is responsible for overseeing medical policy matters for the Indian Armed Forces.

Historic Appointment and Role

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin became the first woman to head the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on October 1, 2024.
She is the 46th DGAFMS and the highest-ranking woman officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
DGAFMS is directly responsible to the Ministry of Defence for overall medical policy matters related to the Armed Forces.
Sarin will lead AFMS for two years, succeeding Lt Gen Daljit Singh.
Her appointment is seen as a significant milestone for women in the Indian military and a boost to women's empowerment in the Armed Forces.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Commissioned in December 1985 after graduating from Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune.
Has served in all three branches of the Armed Forces - Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Holds two postgraduate degrees: MD in Radiodiagnosis and Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology.
Trained in Gamma Knife surgery from the University of Pittsburgh, USA.

Previously held positions include:

- Director General of Medical Services for both Navy and Air Force
- Director and Commandant of AFMC, Pune
- Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini
- Command Medical Officer in Southern and Western Naval Commands
Awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by President Droupadi Murmu in July 2024 for exceptional service.

Contributions and Initiatives

At the forefront of motivating young women to join the armed forces.
Considered a "shining icon" for the government's Nari Shakti initiative.
Recently appointed as a member of the National Task Force by the Supreme Court to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.
The task force aims to prevent violence against medical professionals and provide enforceable national protocols for dignified and safe working conditions.

Context and Significance

Sarin's appointment comes two months after Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair became the first woman Director General of Medical Services (Army).
She is the first woman among 46 DGAFMS appointees, breaking a long-standing gender barrier in the position.
Her role as DGAFMS involves overseeing medical policy matters for all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
This appointment reflects the growing representation of women in senior positions within the Indian military.
It aligns with broader efforts to increase gender diversity and inclusion in the Armed Forces.

ECI Bye-Election Innovations 2025

In a groundbreaking development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) implemented a series of ECI bye-election innovations during the June 2025 bye-elections across five Assembly Constituencies

FASTag Rs 3000 Yearly Pass

The Government of India continues its push for smoother and more efficient travel experiences on national highways. In a major move, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari introduced the FASTag Rs 3000 year

Union Education Ministry PGI Report

The Union Education Ministry PGI report 2025 was officially released on June 18, 2025, offering a comprehensive analysis of the school education quality index across all Indian states and Union Te

Energy Transition Index 2025

The Energy Transition Index 2025, released by the World Economic Forum energy report, offers a critical view of how countries are progressing in shifting towards a sustainable, secure, and equitab

India-Iran Evacuation 2025

The India-Iran evacuation 2025 stands as one of the most significant international developments in recent times. With the sudden escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, the Government o

C-DOT Samarth Program

The C-DOT Samarth Program has become a significant government-led initiative in India’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom and ICT sectors. This program is

Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal

India is rapidly improving its transport and logistics infrastructure to support economic growth and faster connectivity. A major step in this direction is the launch of the Gati Shakti Multi-M

Yashasvi Solanki Indian Navy

In a historic development in the Indian Armed Forces, Yashasvi Solanki Indian Navy officer, aged 27, has become the first female ADC in India. She was formally appointed as the Aide-de-Camp (A

Narendra Modi Kutch Speech

The Narendra Modi speech in Kutch, delivered in May 2025, days after the successful Operation Sindoor, has become a landmark moment in Indian political and strategic discourse. F

16th Census of India 2027

The 16th Census of India 2027 is a historic and strategic national event that every SSC aspirant must be familiar with. Scheduled in two phases, this census marks the first time since 1931 that