Grief grips family as father says country has lost a rising star of the Indian Air Force

Thousands of people gathered in Patialkar village on Sunday to pay their final respects to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who lost his life in the Tejas jet crash during the Dubai Air Show. His death has deeply affected not only his family but also his colleagues, friends, and people across the country. As the final rites were performed, his father, Jagan Nath Syal, spoke with immense grief and pride. He said that the loss of his son was not just a personal tragedy but a national one.

Syal’s father broke down as the mortal remains of the young officer were brought to their ancestral home with full military honours. He said that India had lost a promising and talented pilot who had always worked hard and made the country proud. “It is not only my personal loss; it is the nation’s loss,” he said. He added that very few people get the privilege to serve the nation, and his son was one of those rare individuals.

Jagan Nath Syal himself has a long history of serving India. He earlier worked in the Indian Army and later joined the education department, retiring as a principal. He said that his son had always excelled in everything he did. Remembering their last conversation, he said that he had asked Namansh to send photos from Dubai. Syal had cheerfully told his father to watch the videos on YouTube instead, not knowing it would be their last conversation.

Syal’s mortal remains were first brought to the Sulur Air Force Base in Tamil Nadu and then flown to his ancestral village in Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of villagers stood in silence, paying tribute to the brave fighter pilot. People of all ages, from children to elders, gathered to honour him and offer condolences to the grieving family.

His colleagues recalled him as a skilled, calm, and disciplined officer. Those who trained with him at the National Defence Academy (NDA) said he stood out among his peers and was awarded the Sword of Honour, one of the highest recognitions for cadets at the academy. For nearly a decade, he flew the MiG-21, an aircraft known for its demanding handling. His fellow pilots and seniors remembered him for his exceptional flying skills and strong sense of duty.

Syal lost his life on November 21 when his Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. He was performing as part of India’s participation in the global aviation event. The sudden crash shocked the aviation community and led to widespread sadness in India and abroad. He was only in his 30s and had a long promising career ahead of him.

He belonged to Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district and is survived by his wife, a serving IAF officer, their six-year-old daughter, and his parents. His wife, who is also in uniform, received his body with full military honours, and videos from the ceremony showed heartbreaking scenes that moved people across the country.

A dedicated pilot remembered for his service

The Indian Air Force paid tribute to Wing Commander Syal in a heartfelt message. In a post on X, the IAF described him as a “dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional” who served India with “unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and an unyielding sense of duty.” The post reflected the respect and admiration he earned from the force.

The IAF’s tribute also highlighted his professionalism and discipline, qualities for which he was widely known among his colleagues. Many officers who had worked with him spoke about his calm nature, leadership qualities, and ability to stay composed even during challenging missions. His mentors said that he showed excellence from the beginning of his career, and his achievements reflected his hard work and passion for flying.

ALSO READ: What happens if antibiotics stop working: the rising threat of superbugs

ALSO READ: How stable tax rules can rebuild business trust and boost growth

In the NDA, where Syal trained as a young cadet, he was considered among the best. Receiving the Sword of Honour is one of the academy’s top achievements, given only to the cadet who performs exceptionally in training, academics, discipline, and leadership. His friends from the academy remembered him as a disciplined, sharp-minded, and friendly person who was always willing to help others.

For almost eight to nine years, Syal flew the MiG-21, one of the oldest fighter jets in the IAF fleet. Flying the MiG-21 requires great skill and quick reflexes, and his successful service on the aircraft showed his strong capabilities as a pilot. Later, he joined the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme, India’s indigenous fighter jet project. The Tejas is a symbol of India's technological progress, and Syal was one of the skilled pilots trusted to fly and represent it in international events.

His death at the Dubai Air Show led to tributes from various teams and nations present at the event. The US Air Force’s F-16 demo team even cancelled their performance for the day as a mark of respect. This gesture highlighted the international recognition Syal received as a pilot.

Back home, people in his village remembered him not just as a pilot but as a humble and warm-hearted person who greeted everyone with respect. His neighbours said that he carried his village’s pride wherever he went and always expressed gratitude towards the people who supported him.

As the nation mourns, Syal’s family remains proud of his service. His father said that losing him is a pain they will carry forever, but the respect shown by citizens and the armed forces gives them strength. For many people, Wing Commander Namansh Syal represents the spirit of courage, dedication, and sacrifice that defines the nation’s armed forces.

His legacy will live on through his service, the memories shared by his loved ones, and the honour with which he will always be remembered.