Maneuvering Mirage into Realty

“Sqn Ldr Utkarshini Singh report to briefing room immediately”. “Sqn Ldr Utkarshini Singh reporting as per ordered ”. Air Cmde Murthy glanced up and greeted all present. I noticed Wg Cdr Avirudh studying the model of Mansehra terror camp intentively. I sensed danger advancing.

Air Cmde instructed us “Get 2 sections ready. Our mission is to inflict the maximum damage on those desecrators of humanity. At 0300 hours we are going to cross LOC. Our target is to blow up the Mansehra terror camp. Wg Cdr Avirudh and Sqn Ldr Utkarshini are in charges of Chitnis and hunter section respectively. Hit the enemy fast, hit them hard and hit them deep. Brief your respective sections. Good luck and happy hunting”.

"Blackjack tower take off permission needed." Blackjack tower made the standard R/T call Hunter 1 clear take off. 15 seconds Hunter 1 taking off. Hunter 1 overhead. After 30 minutes, Blackjack boomed “Hunter you are entering into enemy airspace. Fly low”. “Roger. Approaching target in 15 minutes”. Wg Cdr Inayat warned to watch out for enemy behind. I approached the target and ordered to fire at will.

As soon as I blew up the ammunition store, I noticed two Mirage III approaching at thunderbolt speed. Ensuing seconds my radio boomed with mayday calls from Flt Lt Avani. Focusing my attention on the ongoing dogfight I acknowledged I’ll handle these so called Le Pelona. We started heading back. “Piper warning Piper warning 4.5 NW. Take evasive action over”. But alas I got hit. “Blackjack tower, Hunter 1 hit , all parameters failing, loosing height. Blackjack Blackjack Can’t hear you”. That moment I realised I’ve lost connection. Keeping calm, I tried to take height and glide. I landed safely. To say the least everyone is surprised.

Currently I’m being awarded Vir Chakra. Just when the President was about to pin the medal, I received a slap. The President slapped me? But why is the President dragging me by my shoulders? I took a moment to realise, it’s my mother who is waking me up. Then I realised this was just a dream. Don’t worry Ini, every big man started by dreaming only. Dream on Ini. Learn from your idol Fg Offr Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon. If he can fly to achieve great heights then so can anyone. If you want to achieve your dream then work hard but remember W=F.s. Apply greater force and achieve greater positive displacement in your path of progress to do great work for the society.

Fg Offr Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's unwavering sense of duty and selflessness have inspired me to aspire for Indian Air Force. Lt Col Mitali Madhumita’s story of valiant courage, encourages to aspire for gallantry awards. Maj Shaitan Singh’s courage and determination to stand upto his cause to save our motherland, motivates to lead and be determined. Capt Vikram Batra's ability to stay upbeat and optimistic amidst the depressed kingdom of Grim Reaper can rekindle hope and enthusiasm into the most lifeless soul. But above all Maj Sandeep Unnikrishnan made me realise “A true soldier will always prepare for war but will always pray for peace.”

After 4 years as I observed the mirror, I no longer see a hopeful girl rather a confident air force cadet is staring back, ready to lead the parade for first time both in her life and history of prestigious National Defence Academy. My infatuation for flying turned into obsession when mom took me to an airshow. Watching the air warriors conquer the mighty sky, I realised if we are passionate about our goal then even sky is conquerable. When I learnt of Fg Offr Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, the sole winner of PVC in IAF and his valorous tale of daring flight, my passion turned into infatuation. He had the courage to take off amidst heavy ground attack and bring down one of the six Sabres via GNAT. I too wish to become a great aviator like him and lodge my name in golden letters in history of the IAF.

The next two years have flown by quickly. At present I’m holding the sword of honour at AFA. “Today I, Utkarshini Singh pledge that I will serve the Union of India as per the constitution. I’ll go wherever ordered by land, air, sea and will obey the commands of President of Union of India and senior officers.” With the next two steps or the infamous Antim Pag, I Utkarshini Singh have finally achieved my dream of being a commissioned air force officer. This Antim Pag of the academy life is my first step towards my duty as an air force officer.

Sqn Ldr Utkarshini Singh report to briefing room immediately. Hearing the same sentence I was transported back to my childhood dream only this time it was no dream but a reality worth living. I walk out with confidence and determination to achieve something just like my idols. As I take off I remember all sung and unsung heroes and their sacrifice. It furnished me with strength and energy.

While returning back, I quickly noticed a bomb have malfunctioned in my right wing. Python passed the message 2 F-16's are still trailing 102 km behind me. “Roger flying low on 2 Mach”. Just 10 minutes into crossing the LOC. They suddenly started turning back. It took me a minute to realise, we are in range of SAM. “Control turn south we are in kill range. Can’t continue further”. “Blackcat, missile fired. Distance 30km, evade”. “Control 20 s to impact. Back right”. “Control just got a visual. Out of your range”. It was behind me. I began pulling out the flares.” Just 10s left “. I dodged the missile last moment. Touching down on my motherland, I realised it’s not always bravery but also patience and calmness that helps fight the demons both within and outside.

“The reason today I’m standing here is my mother. She is, was and forever will be a warrior because only a true warrior have the courage to bring into existence another warrior. Without her I would have just seen a dream but wouldn’t have learnt to live up to it.” As I stepped down the aisle, I gave the Mahavir Chakra to it’s true recipient – my mother.