Tributes to a martyr

 On his birth anniversary (17 July) I salute martyr Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC.

Faced with overwhelming odds, he was able to hold his own and sent the Pakistani fighter airctafts, in a tailspin in the1971 war. He alone faught with six PAF F - 86 jets which were technically much superior than his Gnat. He is so far the only PVC winner from IAF. 

A detailed story of his effort has been mentioned in fairly detailed account by Air Cdre Kaiser Tufail of PAF. His skill was later also praised in an article by Salim Baig Mirza, the PAF pilot who shot him down.

The bravery, flying skill and determination displayed by Flying Officer Sekhon, against odds of 1:6, earned him India's highest wartime medal for gallantry, the Param Vir Chakra.

His indomitable courage, flying skills and heroism will never be forgotten by the grateful nation.