Lt Gen and Surgeon Vice Admiral (Dr.) Punita Arora isn’t just a trailblazer in uniform—she’s a pioneer in compassion, care, and creating life itself. As the first woman in India to don the rank of a three-star officer in both the Indian Army and Navy, she undoubtedly shattered glass ceilings. But her legacy goes far beyond the battlefield or the operation theatre.
In this compelling interview, Dr. Arora opens up about a lesser-known but deeply impactful chapter of her service—bringing In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology to military hospitals.
As Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) and later as Additional Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, she recognised the emotional toll infertility took on service families, especially those frequently posted in conflict zones or harsh terrains.
At a time when fertility treatment was still stigmatized in many parts of India, especially within conservative and regimented military communities, Dr. Arora spearheaded the establishment of IVF facilities at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) and Army Hospital Research and Referral (AHRR) in Delhi.
Thanks to her vision and determination, countless military families—especially women soldiers and wives of personnel who had long struggled with infertility—were given hope and the chance to experience the joy of parenthood. Her initiative wasn’t just medical—it was emotional, cultural, and social. It helped normalise fertility care and brought dignity and sensitivity to an often-sidelined issue.
Lt. Gen. Arora’s story is not just one of personal triumph, but also of institutional transformation — a testament to how one determined woman redefined what leadership in uniform can mean. Her journey proves that leadership is about breaking boundaries and building bridges—between science and service, between discipline and empathy. Watch this inspiring conversation with the legend herself – to understand how she redefined what it means to serve—by helping not just to save lives, but to create them.
Associate Editor
