New Delhi: Former Air Chief Marshal of Indian Air Force (IAF) Hrushikesh Moolgavkar died in Pune. He was 95.
Moolgavkar had the honour of leading the fly-past on India’s first Independence Day on 15 August 1947, and also on Republic Day on 26 January 1951. He had led the fly-past as a Squadron Leader.
Selected and commissioned as a Pilot Officer in Royal Indian Air Force on 30 November 1940, he was appointed as the Chief of Air Staff on 1 February 1976.
His major achievement as Chief of Air Staff was implementation of new measures that brought down the accident rates. After serving IAF for 38 years, he retired on 31 August 1978.
Born in Mumbai on 14 August 1920, Moolgavkar was a recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Mahaveer Chakra.
In 2009, his biography titled Leading from the Cockpit: A Fighter pilot's story authored by his daughter Jyoti M Rai was published.
Meanwhile, The President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Air Chief Marshal Hrushikesh Moolgavkar.
In his condolence message to his daughter, Smt. Jyoti Rai and son, Dr. Prakash Moolgavkar, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of your father Air Chief Marshal Hrushikesh Moolgavkar, former Chief of the Air Staff.
Air Chief Marshal Moolgavkar led the Indian Air Force with distinction from February 1976 to August 1978. He was awarded the Mahavir Chakra in 1948 for his role in the Kashmir operations and exceptional gallantry in the famous battle of Zoji La. He had many firsts to his credit. He became in 1951 the first Indian to fly faster than sound operating a Mystere-II fighter Bomber. He was one of the first to fly the MIG Fighter aircraft and the Gnat fighter in 1954.
Air Chief Marshal Moolgavkar implemented several reforms and rules that saw improvement in fight safety across the IAF. He was not just a brave air warrior but also a leader always concerned about the welfare of Indian Air Force personnel. Air Chief Marshal Moolgavkar was honoured by the nation with a Param Vishist Seva Medal for his service of 38 years in the Indian Air Force. His services to the nation will be always remembered.
Please convey my heartfelt condolences to all members of your family. I pray to the Almighty to give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.
