‘The Flying officer’: Short story by Rohan Dikshit, Apeejay School, Kharghar

In 1971 there was a terrible war between India and Pakistan, today historically  known as the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Nearly 20 lakh casualties
 and 1.4 crore people were displaced from their homes. Every war is a
tragedy. There are no winners and losers in such a situation. It has been well
understood by governments across the world that if we fight fire with fire, then
everybody gets burnt. It is for a reason that global institutions like the United Nations and the Red Cross exist. However, one must be ready with the torch. A good soldier is not one who hopes for war, but one who is always prepared for it. A heart wrenching yet courageous story of one such soldier is the story of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, becoming the only officer from the Indian Air Forces till date to be honored with one. 

But what did he do that warranted such a prestigious award?
From a very young age, Nirmal and his friends would play a game of dividing
themselves into groups and fighting as armies. When the chance of deciding the
leaders came, he was up and ready to head his army into battle. And the person he chose to masquerade? Hari Singh Nalwar, the Baghmar, rumored to have killed the tiger that attacked his horse with his bare hands, who is widely accepted as the greatest general and fighter of the Sikh army. Even when flying kites, he would run across rooftops completely fearless. When caught by his uncle, he would just say, “When death comes for me, it will come. Till then let me enjoy our time here!” Even his best friend has gone on record to say, “It was as if he had not one ounce of fear in his bones!” 

Fast forward a few years, and Nirmal had dropped out from engineering college, having felt the call of the defense forces. Eventually he decided on the Air
forces, and sped through training like it was nothing. Once the war began, he swore to his sister one thing for sure. And that was ‘to do something to make my
country proud of me for once.’ 

He was stationed at the Srinagar Base during the war and served with the 18th squadron, nicknamed “The Flying Bullets”. On 17th December 1971, the Base was attacked by 6 F-86 jets from Pakistani Air Forces 26th squadron. Sekhon with his partner Lt. Ghumman in lead, took off. However, he had
to follow protocol to let the runway clear of smoke, so he could take off in a safe
fashion. However, he made a judgment call and took off. And yet it was almost too late. The PAF jets were upon them, with missiles inbound, bullets flying. Even using his exceptional flying skills, there was only so much he could do when he was so heavily outnumbered. But he pushed through and fought against the pilots with a 1:6 odds. Eventually, he was shot down, but not without taking 2 of the enemy with him. There were many attempts at finding his remains, but due to the hilly and rocky terrain, it was impossible to do so. In honor of his fearlessness and sacrifice, he was commemorated with the highest possible Gallantry Award, the Param Vir Chakra in 1972 becoming the only IAF pilot to be commemorated with one.

I heard this tale in class 4, through an Army officer who came over to my school as a chief guest. He was quite elderly. He had fought in the Indo-Pak war, and recounted numerous tales of joy and sadness to our class specifically, as our teacher was his niece. And within those tales, this particular name stuck out to me for some reason. So, I went home and searched him up. And I was surprised to know the great detail in which he served his country. One on six fighter jets, and absolutely no fear? I was perplexed as to how such a feat is even possible. It sounded more like fiction to me than reality.

 In 2021, on the anniversary of his death, the ministry of defense
released a YouTube video describing his life story, with interviews with his brother in law, cousin, uncle and sister. They bring life to the words and flesh out history by giving us his true story. This story has become an inspiration to me. It serves to pick me up when I have fallen. To give me courage when I have none. The feeling of patriotism that arises within me is immeasurable. It is because of this that I want to join the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune and serve my country. Who knows how many more Nirmal Jit Sekhons lie in wait on the border? How many people lay down their lives to protect ours, so that we can live comfortable lives? As a medic, I will be able to show a small measure of appreciation that we all feel for these heroes. I will be the army behind them, ready to defend and heal them when they fall. Be it a paper cut, or an amputated leg. A soldier’s life saved or made easier is a life well lived. Over the years I have learnt a very valuable lesson. Courage is not the absence of fear. No. it is in-fact, the ability to continue moving forward despite having that fear, is courage. It is one I work every day to procure. Today, I do my
best to make those who gave up their lives and those ready to do so proud. I study for myself, but excel to one day help others. I live for myself, I die for India.
Jai Hind!