1971 War Hero Behind PoW Escape Passes Away: IAF

Rapid Summary

• Indian Air Force veteran passes away: Group Captain D.K. Parulkar (retd.), a 1971 war hero known for escaping captivity in Pakistan, has passed away near Pune, Maharashtra.
• IAF tribute: The Indian air Force expressed condolences on social media platform X, highlighting his courage and ingenuity during his service.
• Career highlights:

– Commissioned into IAF in March 1963.
– Served as a Flying Instructor at the Air Force Academy.
– Awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for flying back a damaged aircraft after being hit during the indo-Pak conflict of 1965 despite injuries to his shoulder.

• Escape from captivity: In the 1971 India-Pakistan War, while held as a prisoner of war in Pakistan, he led an escape attempt and demonstrated extraordinary initiative and pride in both country and service.
• Awards received:

– Vayu Sena Medal (VM).
– Vishisht Sena Medal (VSM).

Indian Opinion Analysis

Group captain D.K. Parulkar’s passing marks the nation’s farewell to an remarkable hero whose courage left an indelible mark on India’s military history. His bold leadership during wartime not onyl epitomized individual bravery but also served as a beacon of inspiration for generations within India’s defense community. the escape from captivity he orchestrated was more than an act of defiance; it represented unwavering resolve and national pride under dire circumstances.

The IAF’s commemorative gesture underscores how one individual can embody values critical to national identity-commitment, resilience, and ingenuity even under adversity. It also invites introspection about preserving stories like these as part of India’s historical consciousness so future generations remain connected to tales of valor that shaped their country’s trajectory.

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