Salam Fauji:Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Nitin Rivankar (Retd.)

 

A Tri-Service Healer: The Extraordinary Journey of Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Nitin Rivankar (Retd.)

By John Aguiar

In the traditions of the Indian Armed Forces, officers are generally identified by their allegiance to a single service—the Army's olive green, the Navy's pristine white, or the Air Force's sky blue. However, the career of Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Nitin Rivankar (Retd.) stands out as a remarkable exception. A scholar, a soldier, and a specialist, Dr. Rivankar's 22-year military career is a rare testament to tri-service contribution, proving that the mission of healing knows no boundaries of terrain or uniform. From the decks of aircraft carriers in the Arabian Sea to the rugged mountain passes of Bhutan and the sensitive frontiers of Punjab and Jammu, his journey exemplifies professional versatility and unwavering patriotism.

The Foundation of Excellence

Born and brought up in Goa, Dr. Rivankar's fascination with the uniform began at an early age when he joined the Naval Wing of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). After earning his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from the Goa Dental College, he answered the nation's call in 1986 by joining the Army Dental Corps (ADC). His transformation from civilian dentist to military officer was completed at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Lucknow, where he acquired the leadership and tactical skills that would define more than two decades of distinguished service.

A Dentist for the Armed Forces

While most officers spend their careers within a single service, Lieutenant Colonel Rivankar earned the rare distinction of serving across all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.

Serving the Army

His Army assignments included service with a Field Ambulance Unit at Sagar and a posting in Punjab during the tense period following the 1984 unrest. He also served with III Corps in Nagaland and was later deployed along the Jammu border immediately after the Kargil conflict, working under demanding operational conditions while providing vital dental care to troops.

Serving the Air Force

At the No. 1 Air Force Dental Centre, Palam, he served in the heart of the nation's capital. He fondly recalls watching the Indian national cricket team practising on the Palam grounds during his tenure—one of the many memorable moments of his military career.

Serving the Navy

Returning to his home state, Dr. Rivankar served at INHS Jeevanti in Goa. One of the highlights of this tenure was his assignment aboard the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, where he sailed around Sri Lanka and witnessed the complex operations of fighter aircraft taking off and landing at sea—an experience few military doctors have the privilege of witnessing.

Academic Leadership and Service Beyond Borders

Dr. Rivankar's career was equally distinguished in academics. He earned his Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, and later served for five years as Professor and Head of the Department of Prosthodontics at the same prestigious institution, helping shape the next generation of military dental specialists.

His commitment to service extended beyond India's borders through Project DANTAK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Bhutan. In the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," he provided essential dental care to soldiers engaged in building strategic infrastructure in remote mountainous regions. During this assignment, he also served as an official photographer, capturing breathtaking aerial images from military helicopters while documenting the project's activities.

A Legacy of Service and Adventure

Following his retirement in 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Rivankar returned to Goa, where he has established a successful private dental practice. Yet, retirement has never diminished his adventurous spirit. An enthusiastic cyclist and long-distance runner, he recently completed the challenging Manali–Leh Cycling Expedition, conquering some of the world's highest motorable mountain passes—a remarkable reflection of the physical endurance and mental resilience forged during his years in military service.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Nitin Rivankar's story is far more than a professional biography. It is the inspiring journey of a man who dedicated his life to serving others—whether in a state-of-the-art military hospital, aboard a moving aircraft carrier, or in an isolated mountain outpost. His career stands as a shining example of commitment, excellence, and selfless service to the nation, inspiring future generations of medical professionals and officers alike.