Lay Emphasis On Research In Medical Field, Says President Droupadi Murmu As She Confers President’s Colour To AFMC In Pune | @rashtrapatibhvn
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the President’s Colour to Armed Forces Medical College at Pune today (December 1, 2023). She also virtually inaugurated the Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine ‘Prajna’.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that AFMC has earned a reputation as an institution of the highest standard in medical education. The graduates of this institute have made the nation proud through their dedicated service in the face of war, counter-insurgency operations, natural calamities, and pandemics, both at home and beyond our national boundaries.
The President was happy to note that many woman cadets who have graduated from AFMC have made significant contributions to the field of armed forces medicine and have held high positions. She expressed confidence that taking inspiration from them, more women will choose their career in the armed forces.
The President said that today we are witnessing the use of Artificial Intelligence, Precision medicine, 3D printing, telemedicine and other technologies in the field of medicine. She stated that Armed Forces Medical Services make an important contribution in keeping soldiers in the best health and always ready for battle. Therefore, they have to ensure that the medical treatment of all the personnel of our three services is of the highest standard. She urged the team of AFMC to lay emphasis on research in the field of medicine and use the latest technology. She expressed confidence that the team of AFMC will continue to strive for excellence in all their work.
What is President’s Colour?
The President’s Colour, also referred to as ‘Rashtrapati ka Nishaan,’ is the highest honour bestowed upon a military unit. This prestigious flag, presented by the President, symbolises the unit’s illustrious history and unwavering commitment to national security. In the Indian context, this presentation emphasises the strong bond between the armed forces and the nation’s leadership.
The tradition of presenting the President’s Colour traces back to historical military customs followed by Western militaries, including the British, and earlier by Indian armies before colonial rule. Originally, these colours or flags marked the location of specific formation commanders. Although the tradition of carrying these colours into battle has ceased, the ceremonial awarding and preservation of these flags continue today. Each flag awarded to various military formations from the three services or other uniformed services carries a design signifying the formation’s role in the nation’s security ecosystem.
Criteria such as years of service, awards, and recognitions are considered before identifying an institution for this prestigious honour. Ceremonies for the presentation of the President’s Colour are conducted in the presence of serving and retired military leaders of the formation and typically include a ceremonial parade. During these ceremonies, the presiding officer receives full military honours, and the colours are mounted an altar constructed out of drums. Subsequently, the flag undergoes a Sarva Dharma Prarthana, an all-faith prayer ceremony conducted by the religious teachers of the Army. Different religious priests recite verses from their respective texts, offering prayers for the troops associated with the formation.
Designated by the unit as the Nishan Adhikari, an officer receives the colours from the presiding officer. Once a formation receives the President’s Colour, the flag is carried with full military honours during every official ceremony of the formation.