Amar Jawan Jyoti

Written on January 25, 2008 – 6:08 pm | by Amar Jawan Jyoti |

Wg Cdr Rahul Monga and Wing Commander Anil Kumar of Indian Air Force has been awarded Shaurya Chakra for their thoroughbred soldierly attitude, display of conspicuous gallantry in the face of highly challenging task and regardless of their personal safety.

Wg Cdr Monga was detailed as the Captain and Wg Cdr Anil Kumar was detailed as crew of an IAF microlight aircraft of the first microlight aircraft proceeding on a “Round-the-World” expedition.

The expedition flew 40,529 Km, landed at 85 destinations in 19 countries and created a new world record of circumnavigating the world in 80 days, battering the previous world record of 99 days. The mission was flown in a single engine unpressurised aircraft weighing less than 300 Kg, without any redundancy features. As the expedition was undertaken without any accompanying technical, logistics or administrative support team, the officer had even maintained and rectified the aircraft at their own, a task beyond the call of duty.

The officer faced adverse weather, unfamiliar operating environment and harsh terrain ranging from sub-zero Arctic to scorching deserts and topical rainforests knowing fully well that survival in case of any eventuality would have been extremely challenging. He continued undeterred, as a true soldier to achieve the assigned task. In the course of the expedition, Wg Cdr Monga became the first Indian to fly solo across the Bering Strait as well as the formidable North Atlantic. Any incident/accident would have led to a situation, where the recovery could have been nearly impossible, but unfazed by such life threatening deterrents, he flew this leg of the expedition keeping achievement of goal uppermost in his mind.

Wg Cdr Anil Kumar was instrumental in planning critical aspects of the mission and his decisions, especially in face of adverse weather, led to safe recovery of aircraft in several inclement situations. The officer faced adverse weather, unfamiliar operating environment and harsh terrain ranging from sub-zero Arctic to scorching deserts and tropical rainforests knowing fully well that survival in case of any eventuality would have been extremely challenging. The officer in these harsh conditions not only displayed exceptional courage but also professionalism and airmanship of an extremely high order. His fortitude and mental strength were critical for the success of the mission. Inspite of facing severe weather and life threatening technical malfunctions in the small aircraft he continued steadfast in his task despite the risk to his life, with the aim of bringing glory to the nation and to the IAF.