Flying Officer Poyla Ghosh has made her family proud by securing the third rank in overall merit during the recent graduation ceremony at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). Continuing a proud family legacy, she has become the third generation in her family to serve in the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services.
Both of Poyla’s parents are esteemed alumni of AFMC. Her father, Col Arijit Kumar Ghosh (Retd.), previously headed the cardiology department at the Army Institute of Cardio Thoracic Sciences and currently serves as the head of cardiology at AIIMS Nagpur. Her mother, Col Pratibha Misra, is a molecular biologist who is currently on duty at RR Hospital in New Delhi.
Reflecting on her journey, Poyla stated, “My parents were my inspiration from childhood, and serving in the Armed Forces Medical Services has always been my dream. I’m proud to continue this legacy.” She also held the position of College Cadet Captain during her time at AFMC, showcasing her leadership abilities.
Poyla joined AFMC in 2020, where she had the unique experience of studying under her mother, the then-head of the biochemistry department. Col Misra expressed her pride in her daughter’s achievements, saying, “She was a medical cadet like the others on campus, but today she has fulfilled our dreams.”
While Poyla was initially inclined towards the Army, she opted to join the Indian Air Force to carve out a different path from her parents’ experiences in the Army. “I wanted to experience something unique from my parents’ journey in the Army,” she explained, emphasizing her desire for individuality in her military career.
Her academic track record showcases her diligence and excellence; she topped her class in Standard X at Bishop’s School, Undri, and also excelled in Standard XII at Army Public School, Southern Command. Poyla secured the second rank in the AFMC entrance examination, and despite having promising opportunities in civilian medical colleges, her commitment to upholding the family tradition led her to AFMC. She will soon begin a one-year internship at the Command Hospital, Indian Air Force, Bengaluru.
The graduation ceremony was not only a day of celebration but also one of remembrance for several participants, including Lieutenant Nisha Bharti. Nisha’s father, Subedar Vinod Kumar, passed away two years ago. “My father dreamed of seeing me graduate from AFMC. I miss him deeply today,” she remarked, as her family attended the ceremony holding her father’s photograph close.
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin addressed the graduating cadets, underscoring the importance of integrity and selfless service in their future roles. “You are torchbearers of a proud legacy. Uphold honour, integrity, and dedication in your service to the nation,” she advised, encapsulating the values expected of the new officers.
The graduation parade, held at the Capt Devashish Sharma, Kirti Chakra parade ground, saw a total of 121 medical graduates from the 59th batch commission into the Armed Forces Medical Services, with 95 joining the Army, 11 into the Navy, and 15 into the Air Force. The event not only celebrated individual achievements but also marked a significant moment in the history of military medicine in India.
