Dr Vidyadhar Padmakar Mali

I came to Singapore as a foreigner in 2001. Over the years, I became a Permanent Resident (PR) in 2004 and a citizen in 2012. As I sank my roots into the nation, I wanted to give back in some way.

National Service (NS) is something that my Singaporean colleagues talk about as a part of their lives. I thought that joining the SAFVC would be a good way of giving back to the nation, and going through the experience first-hand would give me a better understanding of what NS is about, although there are the differences. I also wanted to lead by example for my son, who will be enlisting next year!

My primary concern when applying to join the SAFVC was whether I would be fit enough, considering that I am over 40 years (45 years when I enlisted). Nonetheless, this was an opportunity to prove whether I had what it takes to be part of Singapore's national defence. It helped that I was in the habit of performing routine fitness exercises before I enlisted, as the training was physically and mentally challenging. One of my most memorable experiences in the SAFVC would be the time when I was issued with the SAR21. As I took the pledge to guard my rifle at all times, I felt a huge sense of responsibility surging in me - the responsibility to protect my loved ones and my homeland, Singapore. I realised during the Basic Training that overcoming the challenges was mind over matter - if you love your country, you will rise to the challenge successfully. Steadfast and Vigilant indeed!

I am thankful for the encouragement from my family, employer and colleagues, who have supported me through my journey thus far. My family, wife and son, have been most supportive right from the start. They were confident that I would complete the training successfully because I was motivated and they were proud when I had done so.

I would like to specially express my thanks to three co-workers at National University Hospital. Firstly is the Chairman, Medical Board, Associate Professor Aymeric Lim, himself a proud NSman, for encouraging and being supportive towards my enlisting for the SAFVC. Next, is my Head of Department, Professor Prabhakaran for being most understanding - he supported my decision, knowing very well that I would need to be away for training and deployment, and unable to render my services to the department then. Last, but not least, I cannot thank my colleague, Dr Dale Loh enough. In my absence, he shouldered most of the workload and covered my duties, yet he was more than happy to see me go through Basic Training!

Thank you for giving your support so that I can be part of the SAFVC and contribute my service to Singapore.

Background information

Vidyadhar Padmakar Mali
Doctor
National University Health System
Singapore Citizen
SAFVC role: Medical Trainer (Doctor)