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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Born | 1 January 1977[ citation needed ] |
| Education | Armed Forces Medical College, Pune University of Pune Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya |
| Sport | |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
Major Dr. Surendra Poonia, VSM (born 1977) is an Indian sportsman, physician, and former Special Forces (PARA SF) Military Officer . [1]
Poonia is an alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College, [2] Pune and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya(JNV), Patan, Sikar, Rajasthan. He joined the Army Medical Corps in August 2001 and was a PARA (SF) Volunteer and was deployed with the 10th Batallion, Parachute Regiment (SF) or also known as the Desert Scorpions. He also served with The President's Bodyguard as a Regimental Medical Officer (RMO). [3]
Poonia left the Indian Army in 2012 after attaining the rank of Major.
Poonia joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 23 March before 2019 Lok Sabha General election. [4]
Poonia represented India in Croatia, Spain, Ireland and Turkey [5] [6]
On 26 January 2012, he received the Vishisht Seva Medal from the President of India. [7] [8]
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Soldierathon was an idea conceived by Major Dr Surendra Poonia,VSM in guidance of former President of India, the Late Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, who felt the need to create awareness towards the sacrifices made by our men in uniform and at the same time help the Martyr families/children and war wounded soldiers, who along with time are forgotten by the country at large. But unfortunately, Dr Kalam Sir didn't live through to see it happen and Major Poonia has taken it upon himself to make this dream a reality.