The youngest wing of the armed forces

An apt occasion to remember those who have given the prime years of their life to the service of the country.The youngest wing of the armed forces – the Indian Air Force – is completing 75 glorious years on October 8, 2007. To say that the force has aged strongly and gracefully will not be an understatement.There have been many achievements that can be written on the annals for posterity. This is not about technical achievements. This is about the people who have been there and done it for the IAF. A tete-e-tete with a handful of air veterans – retired personnel from the ranks – who had served the country through the IAF helped us trace the ethos and spirit of the organisation.

If one thought that an engineer, a doctor, an IT professional, or a teacher commanded more respect than a Defence personnel, one cannot be far from the truth. The popular but crass “military karan” is the term that is used to identify any Defence personnel, retired or serving. But, the retired airmen are a proud bunch.M.K. Thomas joined the IAF in 1951 and retired after 34 years. With no opportunities for higher education and need for employment made him join the Defence after his Matriculation examinations. “But once I joined, we were moulded in such a way that we became true patriots. It was just after the independence, so people were very patriotic. I had a brilliant life in the services. It taught me everything – discipline, straightforwardness and a sense of brotherhood. I joined the IAF as a Keralite and came out as an Indian. One cannot ask for more.”

Pride oozes from this septuagenarian when reminiscing about his IAF days. He feels he could not have lived a better life outside of the IAF if he had chosen to. Today he is a person strong in technical knowledge as well as in languages. Listening to him speak, one cannot doubt that he remained in the IAF for monetary reasons (his early pay was Rs. 53 a month).P.T. Philipose joined in 1962 and retired in 2001 after 38 years. A medical assistant, Mr. Philipose joined the IAF because he “wanted to be a warrior.” It was the year of the Chinese Aggression (1962) and he wanted to do his bit. “It was a wonderful experience. What I am today is because of the IAF. It trained me professionally and made me fit to serve the country. I have travelled all over the country and learnt many languages. After retirement I miss the service life.”

He is disappointed about the general disregard people have for Defence personnel (especially in the South). “They do not accord the respect due to a soldier.” Still, this has not deterred him in any way, because both his sons are serving in the IAF.He strongly feels that more youth should join the services. “Somebody has to share the job of the Government,” asserts this veteran.C. Sethumadhavan, retired after 21 years of service. He feels that the IAF groomed him into a disciplined person. “IAF teaches you well. Technically one can learn a lot. It has stood me in good stead in pursuing different careers after my retirement.” A flight engineer on the AN 12 aircraft, Mr. Sethumadhavan got trained in various skills in India and Russia too.

P.S. Subbiah, another septuagenarian, who retired after 35 years of service, is a rich man in terms of experience and learning. “I learnt everything in the IAF.” After 22 postings this veteran is a satisfied retiree who cherishes every moment of his life in the IAF.There are many others who share similar views and have happy memories to share about. They are all happy to have served in the fourth best air force organisation in the world. The Platinum Jubilee of the Indian Air Force is an apt occasion to remember such warriors who have given the prime years of their life to the service of the country.

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