The high-ranking Indo-Tibetan border police officer is often referred to as the “Malinios man” of the country, who trained and used the first batch of Malinois K9 in counterinsurgency more than a decade ago.
The CAPF veterinary officer receives the President’s medal. (Photo credit: India Today)
Central Armed Forces Veterinary Officer DIG Sudhakar Natarajan has been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Services (PMMS).
The high-ranking Indo-Tibetan border police officer is often referred to as the “Malinios man” of the country, who trained and used the first batch of Malinois K9 in counterinsurgency more than a decade ago.
His veterinary command over the past 30 years has included the care of ponies and mules and the central logistical support of the ITBP troops stationed at BOPs (border posts) along the LAC (Line of Actual Control).
Sudhakar, the “K9 horse whisperer of the nation” was instrumental in the paradigm shift by using locally-bred high-mountain ponies and mules on ITBP-BOPs instead of Saharapur-bred horses. This strategy has given a boost to ITBP’s logistical efforts, as these local ponies and mules are physiologically better adapted to the adverse conditions of the deployment of this crack mountain fighting force.
ALSO READ: All Weather Outpost: Following the failure of the Ladakh project, ITBP is looking for a new agency to complete the outstanding work
His life is dedicated to the relief of pain for the four-legged soldiers who have now been honored with this medal by the Indian President.
“I dedicate this medal to my dear dogs and warm horses, who have given me the honor of serving them. The love and gratitude that I saw in their eyes is my greatest reward, ”said Sudhakar.
ALSO READ: ITBP’s Hero Battle Dogs travel from AC to Chhattisgarh in a first class train carriage | Regard
For IndiaToday.in’s full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, click here.