Wanderlust around the World

My journey into aviation began almost by coincidence. As a member of the Air Wing NCC during my college years, I did some flying in my final year. After graduation in 1956, destiny opened the doors for me to join the Indian Air Force as a direct entry officer. Ours was a refugee family from Peshawar/Rawalpindi, and no one had ever imagined a career in aviation. Yet, by divine grace, I became the first pilot in the family. Today, my son, son-in-law, and even my granddaughter—just 27 years old—serve as commanders in Air India and IndiGo. Over four decades and 16,000 flying hours, I served the nation in various wars, received medals, and earned appreciation from the highest authorities. Miracles often saved me from certain death, such as when I safely landed a Boeing 747 carrying 258 passengers after a flock of vultures struck the aircraft.