Lest We Forget: A Son’s Tribute to His Father

Remembering 1971 War Hero – Colonel Kuldip Singh Sawhney

A Legacy of Courage, Sacrifice, and Indomitable Spirit

The story of Colonel Kuldip Singh Sawhney is one that embodies the very essence of valor, resilience, and patriotic fervor. It is a tale of a man who rose from the ashes of partition, endured the struggles of survival, and went on to carve his name in the annals of India’s military history. His remarkable feat in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, where he displayed sheer courage in the face of death, earned him the Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry, making him the first Indian Army officer to be honored by the Indian Air Force.

Now, as his son, Colonel Jagdip Singh Sawhney, reminisces about his father’s journey, it is more than just a tribute—it is a testament to the sacrifices that shape the destiny of a nation.

A Childhood Shaped by Struggles

Born in Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan), Colonel Kuldip Singh Sawhney’s early years were overshadowed by the horrors of partition. The traumatic separation of his family, the unknown fate of his father, and the struggles of his mother, who had to care for five children while fleeing to India, were stories that left a lasting impression.

The perilous train journey to India, the refuge in a Gurudwara in Jalandhar, the nights spent under a tarpaulin during monsoons, and selling bananas to survive—these were not just stories of hardship but of resilience. While many would have been crushed by such adversities, for Kuldip Singh Sawhney, they became the foundation of his indomitable spirit.

A Soldier Takes Flight: The Journey into the Army

Determined to serve the nation, Kuldip Singh Sawhney joined the Indian Army and chose to become a pilot in the Air OP (Air Observation Post)—the precursor to today’s Army Aviation Corps. Unlike modern warfare, where drones and satellites provide intelligence, soldiers like him had to fly unarmed, deep into enemy territory, gathering reconnaissance that would prove crucial for the war effort.

It was this fearless spirit that led him to one of the most harrowing experiences of his military career during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

A Daring Mission: 1971 Indo-Pak War

When war broke out in December 1971, Colonel Kuldip Singh Sawhney was commanding an Air OP flight. One of his missions was to conduct an aerial reconnaissance of a water headworks in enemy territory, a critical target to stall the Pakistani advance.

Flying in an Auster Mark IV fixed-wing monoplane, a fragile, unarmed aircraft, he ventured deep into hostile airspace. As he approached his target, two enemy fighter jets spotted him and turned around for an attack. Outgunned and vulnerable, he made a daring emergency landing on an open patch along the banks of the Chenab River, where he sought shelter among the boulders as the enemy jets strafed the area twice.

The danger was far from over. With enemy ground troops possibly closing in, he knew his only chance of survival was to take off. Assessing the damage, he carried out a “Fauri Ilaaz” (immediate repairs) on his aircraft. It was a make-or-break moment—either he would lift off, or the Chenab River would be his grave.

With a prayer on his lips—“Jako Rakhe Saiyaan, Maar Sake Na Koi” (The one protected by the Almighty cannot be harmed by anyone)—he attempted the near-impossible take-off. Luck, courage, and sheer skill played their part, and his aircraft lifted off just in time.

Mission First: Completing the Task Against All Odds

Despite the near-fatal encounter, Colonel Sawhney did not return to base. True to the ethos of a soldier, he went ahead and completed his mission, capturing critical intelligence before flying back.

However, as he approached the airfield, the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) noticed something unusual about his aircraft. One of the three landing wheels was missing—a result of the rough landing earlier. He was advised to burn fuel before attempting to land, as there was no jettisoning system in place in those days.

Circling the airfield until the fuel levels were low enough to prevent an explosion, he finally attempted the landing. The impact was severe—he lost consciousness and woke up in a hospital hours later. But he had accomplished his mission.

A Historic Honor: The First Army Officer to Receive the Vayu Sena Medal

For his incredible act of bravery and exceptional flying skills, Colonel Kuldip Singh Sawhney became the first Indian Army officer to be awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry by the Indian Air Force. This unique recognition highlighted not only his personal courage but also the deep camaraderie between the two services.

A Hero Who Lives On in Memory

Even after retiring from active service, Colonel Sawhney remained a source of inspiration, sharing his experiences and guiding young officers. His anecdotes were filled with wisdom, bravery, and the unshakable will of a soldier.

Sadly, this braveheart faded into memory last year, leaving behind a legacy that his son, Colonel Jagdip Singh Sawhney, so eloquently recounts.

“Soldiers never die, they just fade away.” Indeed, while Colonel Kuldip Singh Sawhney may no longer walk among us, his story—his courage, his sacrifices, and his unyielding spirit—will forever remain etched in the history of our nation.

A Salute to a True Warrior

As we remember this hero of the 1971 war, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our soldiers make. The challenges they endure, the risks they take, and the selfless service they render to safeguard our nation—these are not just tales of the past but a call for us to honor and cherish our brave warriors.

Today, as we stand in the comfort of our homes, let us take a moment to bow our heads in respect for Colonel Kuldip Singh Sawhney and countless others like him, who have given their all for India.

Lest we forget.

Written by;
Col Jagdip Singh Sawhney