Meet Air Marshal Denzil Keelor Who Failed Pakistan's Plans In Sialkot During 1965 War

No tribute to India can be rendered complete without touching upon the lives that have dedicated everything to country's service. Those who serve in the armed forces are respected abundantly. Among the foremost reasons is their possessing immense mental strength and valour that contributes to nation building. And, also for a character that separates them from the rest.

A few pleasures can match the privilege of revisiting some of the most celebrated battles of India through the eyes of one of its decorated sons on the Republic Day. This is about Indo-Pak war of 1965.

In a battle of epic proportions between arch-rivals, IAF¡¯s hero, Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, aligned magnanimity during a moment of overwhelming crisis with sagely calm in his epic dogfight over Sialkot in 1965. With a large number of men and tanks involved in this sector, the Air Force¡¯s young, daring men put their lives at stake in taking Pakistani Air Force, supremely powerful and able at the time to the cleaners.

A vastly respected man, Mr Keelor, remains ever so humble in his description of the tectonic events that took place 5 decades ago.

You can almost visually imagine yourself standing on an onerous battleground witness to volatility as he calmly speaks about how he saw 20-30 enemy tanks coming in with the setting of the sun over Sialkot skies back then.

The unfettered enthusiasm with which he shares, "Hardly a second was spared entertaining thoughts of losing one¡¯s life during the battle, for it was a victory that topped the mind.¡±

He further says how flying at about 400-500 miles per hour, he took out Pakistani Saber-jets.

One of the highlights was also the elimination of celebrated Pakistani pilot, Rafiqui, who was often regarded as an invincible.

In the immediate aftermath of the battle with Pakistan, Indian Air Force¡¯s young ¡®top guns¡¯ were hailed for their valiance and to this day, Mr. Keelor remains dignifiedly respectful but sagely detached from the whirlwind respect that came his way, him being awarded the Veer Chakra.

He instead, directs his immense regard toward others- fellow marshals and air warriors who did just as much as him.

¡°India extended a lot of respect and regard for us but I think, everyone fought, it was a battle where everyone stood up jointly and it was a concerted effort that did it for us.¡±

The Lucknow-born hero¡¯s life has been an exemplary account of the best a soldier can offer upon descent of crisis- bravery, abstinence from negativity even when victory seemed improbable and that, one mustn¡¯t ever give up. When asked if the thought of fatality ever struck, he dismisses it: "The thought never occurred and all thoughts were glued to the aspect of raising glory."

He cracks up whilst narrating poignant instances. ¡°I was misplaced and misunderstood as arrogant at times. But it wasn¡¯t that. It was all about having faith in myself that none could shake¡±.

¡°During our time, there wasn¡¯t much technology. Today Radar detections and other advancements have changed the ballgame of battle. We did the best we could, knowing there was little technology could do,¡± he says

At the same time, he laments the barbarity that has overtaken and defined the way battles are fought today, rightly condemning the events in the Middle East where gravest crimes are unleashed upon hapless innocents.

"In our times, it was more for the love of flying." This is something, he admits, that¡¯s changed nowadays.

Conflict with Naga warriors

Showcasing a staidly elegant charisma, Keelor sheds light on another incredibly absorbing battle where the legendary Assam Riffles came under surprise attack by Naga warriors. The Indo-Naga conflict, an upheaval saw the Air Force rocking the Naga cradle by thundering precision and daring.

On August 14, 1960, the Naga warriors attacked a post at Thuda when as Squadron leader, Keelor, based at Tejpur broke through the barrage of attacks in a daring and legendary IAF operation. With erudition, he says, "The Naga operations was a war in which I participated and even subsequently studied."

Having changed the course of many a defining air battle, Keelor is an inspiration for having led a life of great nation-service and for inspiring his junior colleagues, including Former Air Chief Marshal, SP Tyagi (retd.). He churns a whirlwind of information, with an unbridled enthusiasm never distancing from his sagely voice, saying, ¡±The first ever aircraft I flew was Tigermoth and the journey ever since then has been exhilarating, with some close battles and riveting finishes."

As a man, humble and caring, loving and affectionate, he shares that it surprises him that how so few of today¡¯s youth are taking to the Air Force and that perhaps the lamentable treatment of the service, strangely politicised by the government and bureaucrats could be a reason, adding, ¡°I am surprised when during lectures I ask youngsters about the field they wish to opt for and rarely do hands go up for armed forces¡±

Truth be told, in Keelor¡¯s company, charm isn¡¯t only about learning of his thrilling experiences but of the exploits of Douglas Bader, champion RAF (Britain) pilot, of Field Marshal Rommel¡¯s chivalry and how Patton and the legendary Red Baron have inspired the fighter in him.

And there¡¯s nothing that can better this real-life experience.