SHASHWAT GUPTA RAY
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PANJIM: Goa’s Major (Dr) Jacqueline Dias of the Indian Army Dental Corps has achieved a phenomenal milestone by securing the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCS Edinburgh). It is a historic achievement for the Indian Army Dental Corps, the wider Indian Armed Forces and women in military medicine.
The RCS Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious surgical corporations in the world. Earning this fellowship signifies that Major Dias has met the highest global standards of surgical competence, clinical knowledge and patient care.
Her achievement elevates the international standing of Indian military dentistry, demonstrating that Indian Army medical professionals operate at the highest level of global healthcare standards.
This is not her first major feat in her military career. Last August, she made military history by being appointed Officer Commanding of the Indian Army Overseas Dental Institution in Bhutan.
Reacting to his daughter’s achievements, Indian Air Force (IAF) veteran Group Captain Joe Dias (retd) expressed deep pride in her continued commitment to excellence, highlighting how she has consistently excelled both academically and professionally.
“My daughter has always made us very, very proud throughout her service career, as well as her academic career in school and college. We are very proud of her — she is doing what she has to, which a male child generally does. I have a son who is mentally challenged, and she is compensating for all that we have lost out on with our son,” Group Captain Dias told O Heraldo.
Hailing from Mapusa, Major Dias’ journey has been defined by a strong academic foundation and a passion for serving in uniform. Inspired by seeing her father serve in the IAF, she harboured a desire to wear the uniform herself. She distinguished herself early, emerging as a gold medallist and university topper during her dental studies before joining the armed forces.
Speaking on the impact of her success, Group Captain Dias emphasised how her journey serves as a powerful source of motivation for young people, particularly young women.
“It’s a motivational factor for the girl child. They can foresee this and achieve all this glory in the future; it will be an inspiration and motivation. With publicity of this nature, I am 100% sure many girl children will aim to join the armed forces, including boys,” he said.
Offering a final message to the younger generation and parents across the country, the veteran officer strongly advocated military service as a deeply rewarding career option.
“I would only say that all children who are now schooling should aim for the armed forces because this is one of the best career options available in the country. As an officer working in the armed forces, you have pride, you are serving the nation, and you are serving the people. The armed forces give priority to everything — academics, adventure sports, socialising — there are a lot of opportunities available,” Group Captain Dias concluded.
