Gallantry Award winner who motivates me

Gallantry award winner who motivates me the most to do something great for the country is none other than my grand uncle wing commander Utpal Barbara, Vir Chakra awardee from Assam. What motivates me the most is the love for the country and the courage and dedication through which he served the country in time of crisis during the time of war. On 26^th April, 1965 Flying Officer Barbara undertook a photo reconnaissance sortie in the Biar Bet area in which the Pakistani Army had mounted an attack against one of the x x company positions. His tasks was to collect evidence of the presence of Pakastani armour in this area and use of foreign tanks by Pakastani forces. Such evidence was of vital importance since Pakistan had denied use of foreign tanks in the battle. The battle area was being constantly patrolled by the Pakastani forces with fighter aircraft whose performance was much superior to that of the aircraft flown by flying officer Barbara. In addition to the danger of being  intercepted by the enemy aircraft there was the danger of being caught in the cross fire of the artillery duel between the Pakistan forces and our troops. Fully aware of these risks , Flying officer Barbara decided to fly as low as 50 feet above ground level below the trajectory of the shells. With consummate skill, he navigated to an area which is noted for the absence of prominent lard marks and having spotted 15 tanks. He took photographs of the tanks as well as of their tracks. The Photographs taken by him confirmed that Pakistan had used foreign tanks in Indian Territory.

                        In this operation, Flying officer Utpal Barbara displayed courage, determination and professional skill of a high order in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. For this act of bravery, the Government of India has bestowed upon him, the Gallantry Award of the Vir Chakra. I wish if I could get the chance to serve my country, I would be happy to do something as great as my Grand Uncle has done for the nation. I wish him good health and may he keep inspiring millions of new generation Indians to serve the country and show their patriotism towards the nation.