Defence Officer Class 4 Notes EVS Chapter 26

Introduction: Wahida's Background

• Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism, a doctor in the Indian Navy, grew up in a small village named Thannamandi in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. She attended a government school there, where most of the girls from her village also studied. 
• Unlike many others, Wahida had big dreams for her future. She wanted to achieve something special in life and was determined to pursue higher studies.
• Completing tenth grade was not common in her area, but Wahida was determined to achieve it. Her parents faced many challenges because of her ambition, and eventually, they had to leave their village and move to Rajouri to live with her grandmother. 
• Despite the difficulties, Wahida continued her education and completed her twelfth grade there.

Becoming a Doctor and Joining the Navy

• Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism always had a unique perspective. Growing up, she aimed to fulfil her father's varied career aspirations for his daughters. Eventually, Wahida became a doctor in the Indian Navy, while one sister joined the Jammu Police Force.
• Despite challenges, she pursued her MBBS from Jammu Medical College and later joined the Defence Forces, drawn by her childhood admiration for military officers. Wahida's love for travel led her to the Indian Navy, where she became one of the few female officers to work on ships, breaking traditional barriers.

• In her role as a naval doctor, Wahida ensures the health and safety of everyone onboard. She manages medical emergencies and maintains hygiene standards to prevent disease outbreaks. While ships don't have full hospitals, they're equipped with  'First Aid' facility (medical rooms) and necessary supplies for first aid and emergencies.

Leading the Parade

• Wahida Prism made history as the first Indian woman to lead a parade.

• As the first woman to lead a passing out parade, Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism's achievement was the result of three years of hard work and dedication recognized by her seniors. She felt honoured and determined to prove herself worthy of the opportunity. 
• During the parade, she commanded four platoons while giving a total of 36 commands, requiring a strong and audible voice.
• Her preparation involved rigorous practice sessions every morning and evening for a month to ensure perfection.

The Meaning of Wahida Prism's Name

• Wahida's father bestowed the name 'Prism' upon her.
• "Prism" is like a special glass that can make light split into seven different colours. 
• When Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism's father named her, he wanted her to be like that glass, showing lots of different talents and qualities. 
• It means she's unique and can do many different things, just like the colours you see when light passes through a prism.

Word Meanings 

• Lieutenant Commander: A Lieutenant Commander is a rank in the Navy, indicating a certain level of authority or responsibility.
• Naval: Related to the Navy, which is a branch of the armed forces responsible for conducting military operations at sea.
• Parade: A parade is a formal event where people march or move in a structured manner to celebrate or show respect for something. In this context, it refers to a military parade, which is a display of military skills and discipline.
• Platoon: A platoon is a small unit of soldiers, typically consisting of several squads or sections.
• MBBS: MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, which is a degree awarded to doctors after completing medical school.
• Defence Forces: The Defence Forces refer to the military branches of a country, such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force, responsible for protecting the nation's security and interests.
• Submarine: A submarine is a watercraft capable of operating underwater. It's used by the Navy for various purposes, including stealth missions and underwater exploration.
• Medical Officer: A medical officer is a doctor who serves in the military, providing medical care to soldiers and sailors.
• Garbage: Garbage refers to waste material, such as food scraps, packaging, or other items that are thrown away.
• Hygiene: Hygiene refers to practices that promote health and cleanliness, such as washing hands regularly and keeping living spaces clean.
• Eyes Right: "Eyes Right" is a command given during a military parade to instruct soldiers to turn their heads to the right, often as a salute to senior officers or dignitaries.
• Eyes Left: Similar to "Eyes Right," "Eyes Left" is a command given during a military parade to instruct soldiers to turn their heads to the left.
• Close in: "Close in" is a command given to bring soldiers closer together, typically to maintain formation during a parade or drill.
• Open file: "Open file" is a command given to allow soldiers to spread out, typically to widen the formation during a parade or drill.