"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
7 Jul 2025
In an extraordinary display of courage and presence of mind, a young Indian Army doctor helped deliver a baby girl on a railway platform, armed with nothing but a pocket knife and a hair clip. The incident, which took place at Jhansi railway station, has captured the nation’s heart, showcasing the selfless spirit of India’s armed forces beyond the battlefield.
The life-saving moment unfolded on Saturday afternoon when a pregnant woman traveling on the Panvel-Gorakhpur Express was forced to deboard at Jhansi after experiencing severe labor pains. With no time to rush her to a hospital, a female ticket-checking staff member stepped in to assist her.
Among the bystanders was Major Dr. Rohit Bachwala, a 31-year-old medical officer with the Army Medical Corps. He was waiting for his train when he noticed the chaos unfolding and instinctively rushed to help.
“Without an operation theatre or medical equipment, I had to make do with whatever was available,” Major Bachwala shared later. Using a hair clip to clamp the umbilical cord and a pocket knife to cut it, he managed to safely deliver the baby. He emphasized how critical every second was, as both the mother and child were in a fragile state.
The railway staff supported him by arranging a makeshift clean area near the lift on the platform, where the woman had collapsed. Thanks to his swift medical intervention and the coordinated efforts of the staff, the delivery was completed safely.
Soon after the birth, both mother and newborn were taken to a local hospital by ambulance. Doctors later confirmed that both were stable and recovering well.
Incredibly, after ensuring their safety, Major Bachwala simply boarded his train to Hyderabad as planned. His humility was as striking as his bravery. “Doctors must always be ready for emergencies, wherever they are. I feel blessed that I could help save two lives that day,” he remarked.
Major Rohit Bachwala’s act is a shining example of the compassion and commitment that defines the Indian Army and its medical corps. His quick thinking and dedication turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of hope and life.