Bade Bhai and A Role Model

 

Ajit was one of the two senior most among our cousins, closely following Veena.  While those of us in UP met often, our interactions with Ajit, Ashok, and Atul from Pune were far less frequent.

On this sorrowful day, my earliest memories of Ajit come flooding back. Every year, Sushi Attya would visit Kanpur/Lucknow with one of her sons. Once, it was Ajit’s turn. During that visit, he relentlessly tormented me with his left-arm spin, bowling around my legs. Years later, after my 10th, Srikant, Anil, and I visited Pune and met him again. By then, Ajit was a cadet at the NDA - truly an officer and gentleman in the making.

As a young fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, Ajit became the pride of our family, especially of Sharad Mama. He more than justified their faith, going on to be recognized as one of the finest leaders to wear the Air Force wing.

Having chosen engineering as my career path, I had never imagined that I would one day join the Air Force. Yet destiny willed otherwise, placing me in the same service with Ajit as my role model throughout my journey.

Though we were never posted together, we met regularly. From close quarters, I witnessed the immense respect Ajit commanded as a professional. He embodied the belief that “a leader is best when people barely know he exists.” His men followed him willingly, without the need for command.

Throughout his career, Ajit rose steadily, each promotion earned purely on merit, never through self-promotion. Every time he advanced in rank, he would gift me his previous rank braids, saying with confidence, “I am sure you will use these,” inspiring me to strive sincerely and uphold the same values.

With his passing, we have lost a protective presence above us. This loss is especially devastating for Madhuri, Gauri, and Sonu. May God grant them the strength to endure this irreparable sorrow.

Rest in peace, Ajit. You will forever live in the hearts of your friends, colleagues, and family - until we meet again!

In grief,

Pramod