Himachal Pradesh – Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh stood still on Sunday as hundreds gathered to pay their last respects to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 37, who was killed in the Tejas crash at the Dubai air show on November 21. The air was filled with prayers mingled with tears as the mortal remains of the brave pilot arrived in his native village Patialkar, creating an atmosphere charged with both pride and profound grief. The entire region came together to honor a son who had given his life serving the nation.
The Tejas crash that claimed the life of Wing Commander Namansh Syal shocked the aviation community and the nation at large. The incident occurred while he was flying a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1) during the prestigious international air show in Dubai, where India was showcasing its indigenous fighter aircraft capabilities to the world.
Final Journey Home with Full Military Honours
The mortal remains were first brought to Sulur Air Force Base in Tamil Nadu on Sunday morning, where they were received with full military honours befitting a fallen hero. The Indian Air Force paid tribute to one of its finest pilots, acknowledging the supreme sacrifice made in the line of duty. Subsequently, the body arrived at Kangra airport, marking the beginning of the final journey home.
From the airport, an army truck bedecked with flowers carried the mortal remains to his ancestral village Patialkar for the final rites. A long convoy of armed forces and civilian vehicles followed the truck, demonstrating the deep respect and admiration the community held for the fallen pilot. The procession moved slowly through the streets as onlookers paid their respects to the hero who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Village United in Grief and Pride
Upon the arrival of the martyr’s body in Patialkar village, the entire area was engulfed in an overwhelming mix of grief and pride. From colleagues to friends, hundreds joined Wing Commander Namansh Syal’s last journey, creating a sea of mourners determined to honor his memory. Present officials, public representatives, and military officers expressed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them that the nation would always remember the sacrifice of the martyred pilot.
The Tejas crash victim’s wife, Wing Commander Afshan Akhtar, herself an IAF officer, displayed remarkable courage despite her overwhelming grief. Sobbing inconsolably yet maintaining composure, she managed a farewell salute to her husband before his mortal remains were consigned to flames. The couple’s six-year-old daughter and Namansh’s parents stood by as the nation bid farewell to their beloved family member.
Father’s Poignant Words Echo National Loss
Jagan Nath Syal, the father of the Tejas crash victim and himself a former Indian Army serviceman who later worked in the education department before retiring as a principal, spoke with remarkable composure about his loss. “I have lost my son, but the country has lost a promising pilot. It is not just my personal loss; it is the nation’s loss. Not many get the honour of serving the country,” he stated, capturing the sentiment of everyone present.
Reflecting on his son’s exceptional qualities, Jagan Nath shared: “He was outstanding since childhood. He always excelled and never disappointed us. In every competition he participated in, he emerged at the top. The last time I spoke to him, I had asked him to share photos, and he told me to watch it on YouTube.” These words painted a picture of a dedicated professional who took pride in his service.
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A Distinguished Career Cut Short
Wing Commander JK Sharma (retired), who knew the Tejas crash victim since 2005, provided insight into Namansh’s exceptional career. “I knew him since 2005. He was a wonderful pilot. From the training days he was good at what he did. He was actually the best. He passed with the sword of honour from NDA. I was with him in NDA as a course-mate. We did our flying training together,” Sharma recalled.
He continued: “Tejas crash victim, Namansh Sayal was good at flying that is why he got chosen to fly fighters from IAF. For about 8-9 years he flew the MiG-21. We all know it is kind of a tough jet to fly but he did it for nine years. He was a qualified flying instructor for three years and he trained a lot of young people who come to the Air Force. Then he was chosen to fly the LCAs and I think for the last around four years he flew the LCAs.”
Remembering a Simple, Brilliant Soul
Villagers remembered the Tejas crash victim as an athletic, simple, and intelligent person who never forgot his roots. Sandeep Kumar, a villager, said: “The whole village is in grief and sorrow. He was like a younger brother to us and it is our personal loss. He was very promising but a simple person and used to meet everyone cordially. He had met me a few months ago when he visited the village.”
Distinguished dignitaries including AYUSH, youth services and sports minister Yadvinder Goma, Nagrota Bagwan MLA and tourism corporation chairman RS Bali, Kangra deputy commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, Dehra superintendent of police Mayank Chaudhary, former minister Vipin Singh Parmar, and senior officers of the Indian Army and Air Force paid tribute to the fallen hero, ensuring that Wing Commander Namansh Syal’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.
