Salam Fauji:Lt Col Dr. Pravinkumar P. Shirodkar

 Lt Col Dr. Pravinkumar P. Shirodkar: A Distinguished Army Dental Officer from Goa

By John Aguiar

Goa has produced many distinguished sons and daughters who have served the nation with dedication and honour. Among them is Lt Col Dr. Pravinkumar P. Shirodkar, an accomplished dental surgeon and officer of the Army Dental Corps, whose career reflects professional excellence, commitment, and selfless service to the Indian Army. 

Lt Col Dr. Shirodkar graduated from Goa Dental College and Hospital in 1985 and was commissioned into the Army Dental Corps in 1986 in the rank of Lieutenant. Over the next two decades, he served in a wide range of operational and peace stations across India, providing essential dental care to soldiers serving in some of the country's most challenging environments.

His military assignments took him from the high-altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh to the deserts of Rajasthan, besides postings in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, and Kolkata. His ability to serve effectively in varied climatic and operational conditions and rugged terrains demonstrated both professional competence and adaptability.

In recognition of his expertise, Lt Col Dr. Shirodkar was deputed to the Kingdom of Bhutan for a two-year assignment in the prestigious Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), where he contributed significantly to dental services of civilian population. Towards the later part of his career, he served as Joint Director, Dental Services (Planning) at Army Headquarters, New Delhi, where he played an important role in planning and administering dental healthcare within the Armed Forces.

After nearly twenty years of distinguished military service, Lt Col Shirodkar opted for premature retirement in 2006. Following his retirement, he returned to Goa and resumed his dental practice, continuing his commitment to serving society through healthcare. 

Lt Col Dr. Pravinkumar P. Shirodkar belongs to a family that has made remarkable contributions to Goa's public life. He is the son of Advocate Pandurang P. Shirodkar, the first Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly (1964–1967) & eminent freedom fighter, and the younger brother of noted historian late Dr Prakashchandra  P. Shirodkar, former Director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Goa.

Originally belonging to Karmali (Carambolim) and now residing in Penha-de-Franca, Lt Col Dr. Shirodkar represents the finest traditions of the Army Medical Services. His distinguished career in the Army Dental Corps, marked by professional excellence, leadership, and dedicated service across diverse terrains, stands as an inspiration for young Goans aspiring to serve the nation in uniform. His life demonstrates that military service extends beyond the battlefield, with medical professionals playing an indispensable role in maintaining the health, morale, and operational readiness of India's armed forces.