Chhattisgarh News छत्तीसगढ़ न्‍यूज़

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

Wg Cdr Anil Kumar was detailed as crew of an IAF 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 his own, a task beyond the call of duty.

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.

For his thoroughbred soldierly attitude, display of conspicuous gallantry in the face of highly challenging task and regardless of his personal safety, Wg Cdr Anil Kumar has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra.