Squadron Leader Pushp Vaid opens inaugural edition of Valiant Veterans in Bengaluru

“I always wanted to fly,” says Squadron Leader Pushp Vaid, on why he joined the Air Force. He was speaking at the inaugural edition of Valiant Veterans, a community initiative hosted by Bengaluru Prayana.

Raksha Nagaraj, founder of Bengaluru Prayana, says, “The reason for this initiative came from a curiosity to learn about soldiers’ sacrifices for civilians and to make more people aware of their stories.” 

At the event, the squadron leader recounted his experiences in the 1971 War, his interactions with his fellow officers, and life after leaving the Air Force. Vaid, who co-authored MI-4s at War, enthralled the audience, which included members of the Army and Air Force, some of whom had fought alongside him.

Squadron Leader Pushp Vaid at the inaugural edition of Valiant Veterans in Bengaluru
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Vaid migrated to the United Kingdom after leaving the Air Force. When he realised not many people were aware of that period in history, he took it upon himself to record it for posterity. He not only penned his memoirs, but also travelled to over 50 air stations, telling the story of the mission and ensuring that the struggles of his men and their victory were not forgotten.

At the event, he remembered the late General Sagat Singh and the key role he played in the creation of Bangladesh, crediting him for being a man of vision. He spoke about the many challenging situations that arose during the Indo-Pak War. Adding he had no fear going into war, Vaid said, “There is a time for every man to die; when my time comes, let courage be all that remains.”  

He recounted how his team ran rescue operations for days on end running on limited sleep and surviving on little balls of food tucked into their uniforms. At the conclusion of his talk, the spontaneous and sustained applause was a tribute to the many battles fought by unsung heroes of our country. 

MI-4s at War by authors VrC Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid and Wg Cdr Unni Kartha is available online and in bookstores