1971 War Veteran shares his reminiscences at Air Force Station Yelahanka

Bengaluru. As part of IAF’s endeavour in showcasing its glorious history and imbibing lessons and operations art from its previous campaign, an address/talk by Squadron Leader Pushpa Kumar Vaid, was organized at Air Force Station Yelahanka on March 19.

Squadron Leader Pushpa Kumar Vaid is a war veteran of the 1971 war and has been conferred with Vir Chakra (VrC), the third highest military award in the face of war.

In his address he recounted the operational experience of the 1971 Operations and the important role played by MI-4 helicopters during the Bangaladesh liberation war, by making more than 500 sorties in excess of 450 hours.

The veteran also highlighted the aerospace safety concerns related to the new generation rotary wing aircraft.

The iconic talk was attended by senior functionaries of Headquarters Training Command, invitees from military and para-military establishments at Bengaluru, and air warriors of AF Station Yelahanka. For wider outreach of the unique opportunity, the talk was also livestreamed across all the IAF establishments under the Training Command.

While expressing gratitude to the veteran, Air Commodore Rohith Vijayadev, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Yelahanka reiterated upon the importance of knowing and taking pride in rich heritage of our armed forces and their contribution to the nation in times of crisis.