New Delhi, 22nd June 2023: In a momentous ceremony held today, Major General Smita Devrani and Brigadier Amita Devrani were honored with the esteemed National Florence Nightingale awards by President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The awards, established in 1973 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, recognize the exceptional contributions of nursing professionals to society. Major General Smita Devrani received the award for the year 2022, while Brigadier Amita Devrani was honored for the year 2023.
The recognition bestowed upon the Devrani sisters serves as a testament to their outstanding service and dedication spanning nearly four decades. Both Major General Smita Devrani and Brigadier Amita Devrani have made significant contributions to the field of nursing through their unwavering commitment and expertise.
Major General Smita Devrani commenced her illustrious journey in the Military Nursing Service (MNS) in 1983. She has held various pivotal positions throughout her career, including Principal Matron at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Brigadier MNS at Headquarters (Central Command), Principal Matron at Command Hospital (Southern Command), and Director MNS (Admin.). Her remarkable achievements culminated in her appointment as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the MNS on October 1, 2021.
Brigadier Amita Devrani, who joined the service in 1986, has also had an equally remarkable career. She assumed the esteemed position of Brigadier MNS, Southern Command, as of September 1, 2021. Her notable roles include serving as the Principal of the College of Nursing at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, College of Nursing at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), and Vice Principal of the College of Nursing at Indian Naval Hospital Ship (INHS) Asvini. Both sisters take pride in their roots, hailing from the Kotdwar district of Uttarakhand.
The National Florence Nightingale awards bestowed upon Major General Smita Devrani and Brigadier Amita Devrani not only celebrate their personal achievements but also recognize their significant impact on the nursing profession. Their unwavering dedication, expertise, and remarkable contributions to healthcare have left an indelible mark on society, serving as an inspiration for countless other nursing professionals.
The awards ceremony, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, showcased the nation’s appreciation for the exceptional services rendered by nurses and nursing professionals. The National Florence Nightingale awards continue to serve as a prestigious honor, acknowledging the vital role played by nurses in the healthcare sector and their invaluable contributions to society as a whole.
Through their remarkable achievements, Major General Smita Devrani and Brigadier Amita Devrani have not only elevated the standards of nursing but have also inspired others to pursue excellence in the field. Their dedication and unwavering commitment to healthcare have made a lasting impact, fostering a culture of excellence and compassion within the nursing profession.
