News Input by Kamal Prabhakar UK Head Hello Mumbai News :

Captain Munish Chauhan, RAMC, MBBS
Born in a small town , Munish is a perfect example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. Captain Munish Chauhan received a very ordinary middle class up bringing at his birth place (Jadla, Nawanshahr, Punjab). Munish attended a local school and completed his basic education up to year 12 in his village, before moving to the United Kingdom for higher studies. Munish always had a dream of becoming a MBBS doctor while he was studying in India, however life got in the way and he was side tracked from his dream for a while. During this time, he completed a Diploma in Computer science from London and then decided to start a life changing career in the British Army.
Munish joined the British Army in 2007 as a junior soldier, CMT (Combat Medical Technician). He completed the initial arduous military training and up on completion of that, he received further medical training from the Defence Medical Services. While doing the job as a CMT at his first regiment, his dream of becoming a Doctor resurfaced. It was at this point when Munish had to make a big decision in life. He had a great career prospectus in the British Army, a decent salary at the age of 21, comfortable life style and great future opportunities; however, his heart was set on becoming a doctor. In the end heart won over mind and Munish finally decided that it was the time to pursue his childhood dream and make it into the reality of his life.
“While at school in India, I once read in a school magazine: One day I will have that wonderful title before my name [Dr.] and post nominal after my name [MBBS]. In 2011 it was the right time to make sure that I earn that title and post nominal.”
At 24 years of age, Munish started studying MBBS to become a doctor from St Georges University, London. He had to give up his military career to pursue MBBS, however, it was not long before he re-joined the Army reserves and dedicated his spare time to continue to work with the army on part time basis. Munish says, he found this way he was getting the best out his life. He was able to study for his life goal as well as enjoy being a Commissioned Officer in the British Army. He was sent to one of the world’s best Military training establishment, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Currently Munish is working as a Medical Officer, in the Royal Army Medical Corps and set a new goal for himself. He aspires to become a surgeon in the Army and provide his services to the Defence Medical Services.
Munish is passionate about Diversity and Inclusion in the British Forces, he aims to encourage the younger generation of Asian population in the United Kingdom to join the British Forces. He says that joining the Army at the age of 19 was the best decision he has made. He dedicates his medical degree to the Leadership training and self confidence that the British Army instilled in him, when he initially joined as a junior soldier. When he left the Army to study medicine, life became difficult financially and psychologically. The decision to leave the Army and study medicine was very bold decision. He says that without the life skills that he gained from his soldier training; he would not have had the confidence to make such a daring move.
“My Army training has taught me skills to tackle life challenges in the darkest moments of my life.”
A sailor’s skills are only tested in a storm, likewise a person’s real attitude towards life is only tested in the challenging times. – Captain Munish Chauhan
“I would like to invite members form our Asian community to encourage their children to broaden their horizons. Joining the Army was the best decision for me, I believe it could be a life changing decision for you and your children too. The Army offers 100s of different roles; I would like to encourage you to visit the British Army website and look for the roles that may be suitable for your skill set and interests.”
The Army is currently supporting the government I it’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19 Pandemic. The soldiers from the British Forces have been deployed all over the country to support the testing facilities, the Nightingale facilities, supporting the local ambulance services and will also be supporting the delivery of the COVID-19 Vaccine in timely manner.