9 Facts You Need To Know About The Heroic Life Of Arjan Singh, Marshal Of The Indian Air Force

The first ever Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh passed away yesterday in Delhi. He was one of the most respected figures in the force and his demise has left a void that can never be filled.

Here are some facts about his inspiring life.

1. He came from a family of military men. Everyone from his great grandfather to his father served in the British Indian Army.

2. He became a pilot in 1939 and took part in the second world war against the Japanese. He commanded the No. 1 Squadron ‘Tiger’ in Imphal.

Wikimedia commons

3. For his exemplary leadership in World War II, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

4. One of the youngest to serve as the Chief of Air Staff, Arjan Singh was only 45 when he took over the reigns of the Air Force in 1964.

5. He led the Air Force during the 1965 war against Pakistan and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his fearless service.

6. At five years, his tenure as the CAS was the longest as opposed to the usual two to three years. He retired at the age of 50.

7. After retirement he continued to represent the nation as the ambassador to Switzerland and as High Commissioner to Kenya. He even served as Lt. Governor of Delhi.

AFP

8. It was only in 2002 that the government decided to confer on him the rank of ‘Marshal of the Indian Air Force’ for his lifelong service to the force and the nation.

9. On the occasion of his 97 th birthday in 2016, the airbase at Panagarh was renamed after him. A rare honour and the first of its kind for the Indian Air Force.

The nation salutes this patriot. And may his life and achievements continue to inspire Indians from all walks of life!