Flying Officer Sekhon’s Heroic Story: A Tale of Bravery & Sacrifice

Newz Daddy Defence Updates

Synopsis of the Article

• Event: The Air Force Association (AFA) Gujarat organized the Eighth Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon Param Vir Chakra Annual Memorial Lectures on National Security on 16 February 2025 at Neelambar Auditorium, HQ South Western Air Command, Gandhinagar.
• Chief Guest: Hon’ble Home Minister of Gujarat Shri Harsh Sanghavi, who extended his guidance and support.
• Guest of Honour: Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari PVSM AVSM VM, AOC-in-C, HQ SWAC, Gandhinagar.
• Speakers and Topics:
  • Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM (Retd) – “Strategic Lessons from Ongoing Conflicts”.
  • Lieutenant General Pradeep Chandra Nair PVSM AVSM YSM (Retd) – “The Strategic Relevance of North East India and Our Distributed Immediate East”.
  • Rear Admiral Sudarshan Y Shrikhande AVSM (Retd) – “An Indian Perspective on QUAD Dialogue”.
• Event’s Significance: Honors Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the only Indian Air Force officer awarded the Param Vir Chakra, for his bravery during the 1971 war.
• Importance of National Security:
  • Emphasizes the need for strategic awareness due to terrorist, maritime, and border threats.
  • Air Marshal PK Desai PVSM AVSM VSM (Retd), President of AFA Gujarat, highlighted the courage and resilience needed to maintain peace and economic stability.
• About Air Force Association (AFA):
  • Founded by Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh, DFC (Marshal of the Indian Air Force).
  • AFA has over 1,00,000 members, including 8,000 widows.
• AFA Gujarat Branch: Established in 2007, provides financial and legal aid to ex-servicemen and their families, including widows and children.

The Air Force Association (AFA) Gujarat Branch recently organized the Eighth Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon Param Vir Chakra Annual Memorial Lectures on National Security. This important event took place on 16 February 2025 at the Neelambar Auditorium, HQ South Western Air Command, Gandhinagar.

The event focused on various national security challenges India faces today. Three senior retired Defence Officers delivered insightful lectures on different aspects of strategic security. The event was attended by many defence personnel, veterans, and dignitaries.

This lecture series is named after Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, a true war hero of India. He was the only Indian Air Force officer to receive the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor for bravery.

During the Indo-Pak war of 1971, Sekhon fought against Pakistan’s F-86 fighter jets, bravely engaging them in an intense aerial battle. He managed to shoot down one of the enemy planes despite facing a much stronger force. Unfortunately, his aircraft was hit, and he was martyred. His sacrifice is remembered as an act of supreme courage, determination, and patriotism.

Key Dignitaries & Special Guests

The event was graced by several high-ranking officials and dignitaries:

• Chief Guest: Hon’ble Home Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, who supported the initiative and highlighted Gujarat’s security concerns.
• Guest of Honour: Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari PVSM AVSM VM, AOC-in-C, HQ SWAC, Gandhinagar.

Three distinguished retired Defence Officers spoke on various critical security issues:

1. Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM (Retd) – “Strategic Lessons from Ongoing Conflicts”

   • Discussed what India can learn from global military conflicts.
   • Explained how modern warfare tactics have evolved over time.

2. Lieutenant General Pradeep Chandra Nair PVSM AVSM YSM (Retd) – “The Strategic Relevance of North East India and Our Distributed Immediate East”

   • Highlighted the importance of North-East India in India’s overall security.
   • Explained the role of India’s Eastern borders in maintaining stability.

3. Rear Admiral Sudarshan Y Shrikhande AVSM (Retd) – “An Indian Perspective on QUAD Dialogue”

   • Spoke about India’s role in the QUAD alliance (India, USA, Japan, and Australia).
   • Discussed how QUAD helps in maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Air Marshal PK Desai PVSM AVSM VSM (Retd), President of AFA Gujarat, shared valuable insights about the security risks that India faces. He stressed:

• Threats from terrorist groups in border areas and coastal regions.
• Maritime security challenges affecting India’s trade and economy.
• Long-term strategies needed to maintain peace and stability.

He also mentioned that the event’s main purpose was to raise awareness about national security and to honor brave warriors like Flying Officer Sekhon.

What is the Air Force Association (AFA)?

The Air Force Association (AFA) is a registered organization for retired Indian Air Force personnel. It was founded by Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh, DFC (Marshal of the Indian Air Force) and now has:

• Over 1,00,000 members, including 8,000 widows.
• Several regional branches, including AFA Gujarat, which was founded in 2007.

AFA Gujarat is run by a group of retired Air Force personnel and their families. It provides:

✅ Financial assistance to retired personnel and their families.
✅ Legal help for ex-servicemen facing difficulties.
✅ Support for widows and children of deceased Air Force members.

The organization remains committed to supporting veterans and spreading awareness about national security concerns.