Questions and Answers
What does the phrase 'Touch the sky with glory' represent?
The motto of the Indian Air Force.
Who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra?
Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon.
What was Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's father's rank in the Indian Air Force?
Flight Lieutenant.
When was Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon commissioned into the Indian Air Force?
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Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was a top performer in his training course.
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What was the name of the air defence unit Nirmaljit was part of?
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Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was born on July 17, _____
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What does the motto of 18 Squadron 'Theevra Aur Nirbhaya' translate to?
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What aircraft did Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon fly?
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The Param Vir Chakra was awarded to Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon posthumously.
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What was Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's last message before he was shot down?
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Who received the Param Vir Chakra on behalf of Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon?
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Study Notes
Indian Air Force Motto and Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon
- The Indian Air Force's motto is "Touch the sky with glory" from the 11th chapter of the Srimad Bhagvat Gita.
- Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon is the only member of the Indian Air Force to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military honor.
Early Life and Education
- Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was born on July 17, 1943, to Master Warrant Officer Tarlok Singh Sekhon and Smt Harbans Kaur in Ludhiana, Punjab.
- He grew up amidst simplicity and humility, influenced by his father's values of courage and patriotism.
- Sekhon studied at Khalsa High School and later joined Dayalbagh Engineering College in Agra in 1962, but left the course mid-way to join the Indian Air Force.
- He was commissioned into the IAF on June 4, 1967, as a fighter pilot.
Training and Career
- Sekhon rigorously trained with the IAF and was described by his friends as a gem of a person with tremendous grit and determination.
- He was a topper of his course and would go all out to help anyone in need.
- Sekhon was stationed at the Srinagar Air Base with the 18 Squadron, also known as the Flying Bullets.
The 1971 Indo-Pakistan War
- The war began on December 3, 1971, and Sekhon's squadron was tasked with defending the Kashmir Valley.
- On December 14, 1971, six Pakistani Sabre jets attacked the Srinagar Airfield, and Sekhon single-handedly faced the enemy planes and drove them away.
- Despite being vastly outnumbered, Sekhon kept the enemy engaged, and when his jet was hit, he continued to repel the enemy until his aircraft crashed.
Bravery and Legacy
- Sekhon's bravery and sacrifice serve as a shining example of courage for aspiring military personnel.
- He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate individuals to uphold the highest ideals of valour, bravery, and sacrifice.
- No. 18 squadron is the only unit of the Indian Air Force to have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra, all because of Sekhon's bravery.
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Description
This quiz is about the motto of the Indian Air Force, its meaning, and a heroic incident from 1971. It's a test of your knowledge about the Indian Air Force's history and principles.
