The Icons

    The Air Force Association (AFA) has, since its inception, played a significant role in commemorating and honouring the icons of the Indian Air Force. For many years it organised annual memorial lectures for Air Chief Marshal PC Lal, Air Chief Marshal LM Katre, and Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon. In 2025, the Association added a memorial lecture in honour of the Marshal of the Indian Air Force, Arjan Singh. With the generous support of the IAF leadership, four more lectures have now been instituted to honour Air Commodore (Baba) Mehar Singh, Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, Air Chief Marshal IH Latif, and Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh.

    Each lecture features an eminent speaker on a subject of contemporary relevance while also introducing the audience to the life and leadership of an iconic air warrior. The combination of professional insight and historical perspective makes these events both intellectually enriching and deeply inspiring.

    I had the privilege of attending the recent memorial lectures dedicated to Air Chief Marshal IH Latif and Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh. An aviation historian, Mr. K. Sree Kumar introduced the two icons at both the events. He skilfully connected their lives through an anecdote narrated to him by the late Air Chief Marshal Latif himself.

    Young Pilot Officer Latif's aircraft had been damaged on ground during a ferry flight through no fault of his own. Harjinder Singh’s team worked through the night to repair it. Years later, recalling the incident, Air Chief Marshal Latif remarked, "That’s incredible, we were living like one big family!" That young Pilot Officer eventually became Chief of the Air Staff, yet throughout his career he continued to treat thousands of air warriors as members of that same family. His leadership reflected both professional excellence and genuine concern for his people.

    Air Commodore Jasjit Singh once observed, "The pilot-engineer bond of trust is the most visible reflection of the height of morale in the Air Force". Air Vice Marshal Harjinder Singh exemplified that bond throughout his life.

    Most of us had never met AVM Harjinder Singh, and only a few had served under Air Chief Marshal Latif. Yet one lesson stood out clearly: great leaders are not shaped from a single mould. Harjinder Singh's commanding personality contrasted with Latif's quiet and natural style, but both inspired trust and respect because they shared sincerity of purpose and unwavering commitment to the Service.

    The veterans present were delighted to honour these icons, but it was equally satisfying to witness the pride on the faces of serving men and women after hearing their stories. Leadership and example possess a timeless quality.

    Stories of our pioneers remain powerful tools for shaping the mindset, values, and resilience of future generations. Their importance lies not in portraying them as flawless heroes, but in showing how they overcame challenges, made difficult decisions, and upheld their principles under pressure.

    Memorial lectures are valuable reminders of these enduring examples. However, they require considerable effort and resources, and only a limited number of personalities can be honoured in this manner. This raises an interesting possibility. The Air Force has produced inspiring leaders at every rank - from Air Chiefs to Warrant Officers and erstwhile Flight Sergeants. Could local veterans be invited more frequently to stations to share their experiences with young air warriors? Like grandparents recounting family history, they can pass on traditions, values, and lessons that no textbook can fully capture.

    Exceptional achievements rarely result from dramatic moments alone. They are built through quiet dedication, consistent effort, and steadfast commitment to duty. Every air warrior should recognise that leadership and greatness emerge through everyday actions. The icons we celebrate were once ordinary individuals who performed their responsibilities with extraordinary commitment. Their stories remind us that every member of the Indian Air Force has the potential to become an example worthy of future generations.

Jai Hind !

Air Mshl PV Athawale