Meet Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar: 3rd Woman to Become a Lieutenant General in India

Lieutenant General (Retd) Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, stands as a symbol of resilience and excellence in the Indian Armed Forces. As the third woman to attain the prestigious three-star rank of Lieutenant General a milestone achieved on February 29, 2020 she has not only shattered glass ceilings but also contributed profoundly to military medicine, education, and policy. 

Her journey from a young medical student to a high-ranking officer and now an academic leader reflects the evolving role of women in India's defence sector. This article delves into her life, career, achievements, and lasting impact, drawing from verified sources to provide a comprehensive portrait.

Early Life and Family Background

Madhuri Kanitkar was born on October 15, 1960, in Dharwad, Karnataka. She was one of three daughters in a household steeped in medical tradition: both her grandmother and grandfather were practicing doctors, instilling in her an early appreciation for healthcare. Growing up in a supportive environment that valued education, Kanitkar excelled in her studies. She was a CBSE topper and a National Science Talent scholar, demonstrating academic prowess from a young age. Despite her parents' initial reservations about a military career preferring a civilian medical path she was drawn to the discipline and service ethos of the armed forces. This decision set the stage for a life of dual commitment to medicine and national duty.

Her family life later intertwined with her professional world. She married Lieutenant General (Retd) Rajeev Kanitkar, an Armoured Corps officer who retired as the Army's Quartermaster General in 2017. Together, they became the first couple in the Indian Armed Forces where both partners achieved three-star ranks, a historic feat that underscored mutual support amid challenging postings. They have two children: a daughter, Vibhuti, and a son, Nikhil. The couple's 36-year marriage, marked by 24 years of separation due to service demands, inspired their co-authored book, Growing Together Without Growing Apart, which shares insights on balancing personal bonds with professional ambitions. Rajeev penned the narrative from his perspective, with Madhuri adding summaries, offering a relatable guide for younger generations facing similar dilemmas.

Education and Professional Training

Kanitkar's educational journey began with her enrollment at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune in 1978, where she pursued her MBBS from Pune University. She consistently ranked first in all three phases of her degree, earning the President's Gold Medal for the best outgoing student in academics and extracurricular activities, along with the Kalinga Trophy for academic excellence. Following her graduation, she completed her Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Pediatrics around 1990-1991 from Bombay University.

Her specialization in Pediatric Nephrology a field focused on kidney disorders in children took her to premier institutions. She trained at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, followed by fellowships at the National University Hospital in Singapore and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Additionally, she pursued the FAIMER fellowship in Medical Education, enhancing her skills as an educator. This robust training equipped her to bridge clinical practice with teaching and administration, roles she would excel in throughout her career.

Military Career: From Commissioning to Leadership

Commissioned into the Army Medical Corps (AMC) in December 1982, Kanitkar's 39-year tenure was marked by progressive responsibilities in pediatrics, nephrology, and military health administration. Early in her career, she served as an associate professor, professor, and Head of the Department of Pediatrics at AFMC, Pune, and later at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Army Hospital (Research & Referral). A key milestone was her establishment of the first Pediatric Nephrology service in the AMC, providing specialized care to children of military personnel and filling a critical gap in armed forces healthcare.

She held pivotal administrative positions, including Deputy Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (Dy DGAFMS) in New Delhi. On January 28, 2017, she became Dean and Deputy Commandant of AFMC, Pune the first woman to hold this role overseeing medical education for future military doctors. She later served as Major General Medical at the Northern Command in Udhampur, managing healthcare during sensitive border operations.

Her promotion to Lieutenant General in 2020 made her the third woman in the Indian Armed Forces to reach this rank, after Surgeon Vice Admiral Punita Arora (the first woman three-star officer in 2004) and Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay (the second in 2018). As the first woman pediatrician to achieve this, she served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical) under the Chief of Defence Staff, influencing tri-service medical policies. During her tenure, she coordinated responses to border tensions with Pakistan and the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing field hospitals and protocols that saved lives. She also served as President of the Indian Society of Pediatric Nephrology and was a member of the Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

Kanitkar retired from active service in October 2021, after which she transitioned to academia.

Achievements and Contributions to Military Medicine

Kanitkar's legacy in military medicine is profound. By founding the AMC's pediatric nephrology unit, she ensured specialized kidney care for military families, particularly during high-tension deployments. Her leadership in medical education reformed curricula, introducing digital health elements at institutions like Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). During crises, her protocols supported troop readiness and disaster response, earning her recognition for saving "lives, careers, and families."

Post-retirement, appointed Vice-Chancellor of MUHS in Nashik by the Governor of Maharashtra on July 6, 2021, she has focused on integrating technology into health education. She also serves as an advisor at the Koita Centre for Digital Health, Ashoka University, extending her expertise to civilian sectors.

Awards and Honors

Kanitkar's distinguished service earned her numerous accolades, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Below is a table summarizing her key awards and commendations:

Personal Reflections and Broader Impact

Kanitkar's story is one of breaking stereotypes while emphasizing teamwork, focus, and balance. She navigated challenges like organizational policies affecting seniority and parenting in uniform, yet never compromised her career thanks to her husband's unwavering support. Anecdotes, such as receiving her own anniversary card due to similar addresses during separations, add a human touch to her narrative.

Her ascent highlights progress in gender equity within the Indian military, though it also points to ongoing debates about inclusivity. While celebrated for her achievements, her path inspires discussions on supporting women in defence roles, with sources noting the slow pace of such promotions. Today, as of 2025, Kanitkar continues to shape health policy and education, serving as a role model for aspiring professionals in medicine and the armed forces.

In summary, Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar's life exemplifies dedication to service, innovation in healthcare, and the power of perseverance. Her contributions have not only advanced military medicine but also paved the way for future generations of women leaders.