NCERT Class 4 EVS Chapter 26: Defence Officer Wahida

Who is Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism?

Lieutenant Commander Wahida Prism is an inspiration for young minds across India. Born in a small, quiet village called Thanamandi in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, she grew up facing many social challenges. In those days, girls in her village were rarely allowed to go out for higher education. However, Wahida's parents supported her dreams. She went on to complete her MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) from Jammu Medical College. Her passion for adventure led her to join the Indian Armed Forces, specifically the Indian Navy, where she works as a medical officer. She made history by becoming the very first woman to lead a passing out parade of the armed forces, showing that girls can excel in any field they choose.

Important Terms to Remember

Indian Navy

The branch of the Indian Armed Forces that protects our country's water boundaries and operates at sea.

Prism

A piece of glass that reflects seven beautiful colors when light passes through it. Wahida's father named her 'Prism' so she would shine brightly.

Passing Out Parade

A formal ceremony held at military academies to mark the successful completion of training for officers.

Platoon

A small group of soldiers or sailors marching together as a unit during military parades.

Steps to Leading a Navy Passing Out Parade

1. Step 1: Rigorous Preparation — Before leading the parade, officers must undergo training for months, practicing marching in perfect rhythm under all weather conditions.
2. Step 2: Training the Voice — The leader must practice shouting commands so loudly and clearly that the entire ground, including the audience behind, can hear every word.
3. Step 3: Mastering the 36 Commands — During the parade, the leader has to give exactly 36 military commands. There must be absolutely no mistakes, as a single error can halt the march.
4. Step 4: Leading the 4 Platoons — The leader marches at the very front, directing 4 separate platoons of sailors who follow the commands in complete sync.

Key Responsibilities of a Navy Doctor

• Medical Check-ups

  They regularly monitor the health of all officers and sailors living on the naval ship.

• Hygiene and Sanitation

  They inspect the ship daily to ensure it is clean, free of garbage, and that no rats or pests breed onboard.

• Emergency Drills

  They train the crew on how to provide first aid and handle situations like fire or sudden accidents at sea.

• First Aid Kits

  They maintain fully stocked medical cabinets and keep life-saving medicines ready at all times.

CBSE Board Exam Quick Tips

Examiners love to ask numerical and location-based questions from this chapter. Remember these facts precisely:

• Location: Thanamandi village is in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Parade Numbers: There are always 4 platoons marching behind the leader, and the leader must shout 36 commands.
• Name Secret: Her father gave her the name 'Prism' because he wanted her to be like a glass prism that reflects seven colors.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Why did Wahida's father give her the name 'Prism'?
  A: Step 1: Understand what a prism is. A prism is a special glass object that splits light into seven beautiful colors.
  Step 2: Connect it to her father's wish. Her father wanted her to be unique and shine brightly in her life, spreading happiness.
  Final answer: Wahida's father gave her the name 'Prism' so that she would grow up to be like a prism, reflecting her own beautiful qualities and shining brightly in the world.

• Q: What are the main challenges Wahida faced during her childhood in Thanamandi?
  A: Step 1: Recall the geographic and social location of her childhood. She lived in a very small, remote village in Jammu and Kashmir.
  Step 2: Identify the social barriers of that era. During those days, girls in her village were not sent for higher education.
  Step 3: State how she overcame it. She had to study hard, move out of her village, and rely on her supportive family to complete her MBBS.
  Final answer: Wahida faced challenges because her village was very small and undeveloped, and people there did not support girls studying or leaving home for higher education.

• Q: Explain the role and duties of a doctor on an Indian Navy ship.
  A: Step 1: Think about how life on a ship is different from land. There are no hospitals nearby when sailing in mid-ocean.
  Step 2: List the preventive health duties. The doctor ensures cleanliness, keeps the ship free of rats/garbage, and tests drinking water.
  Step 3: List emergency duties. The doctor treats sick sailors, organizes first aid kits, and runs fire/safety drills.
  Final answer: A Navy doctor is responsible for keeping the ship's crew healthy. They do regular check-ups, maintain hygiene, prevent the spread of diseases, and handle medical emergencies while at sea.

• Q: What special historical feat did Wahida Prism achieve in the armed forces?
  A: Step 1: Identify the event she is famous for. It was a military passing out parade.
  Step 2: State her historic role. She was selected to lead the entire parade.
  Step 3: Explain why it was a historic milestone. She was the first woman officer in the history of the Indian Armed Forces to lead a passing out parade.
  Final answer: Wahida Prism became the first woman officer ever to lead a passing out parade of the armed forces, marching ahead of four platoons and giving all 36 commands perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions