Varun Singh (Indian Air Force Officer): Difference between revisions

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Group Captain '''Varun Singh'''
 
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{{Use Indian English|date=December 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Distinguish|Varun Singh Bhati}}
| honorific_prefix = [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]]
| name          = Varun Singh
| honorific_suffix = [[Shaurya Chakra|SC]]
| image        =
| image_upright =
| alt          =
| caption      =
| native_name  =
| native_name_lang =
| birth_name    =
| other_name    =
| nickname      =
| birth_date    = 1982
| birth_place  = Kanholi, [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| allegiance    = {{flag|India|23px}}
| branch        = {{air force|India|23px}}
| serviceyears  = 2004 to present
| serviceyears_label = <!-- | rank = [[File:Group Captain of IAF.png|32px]] [[Group Captain]] -->
| rank          = [[File:Group Captain of IAF.png|32px]] [[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]]
| rank_label    =
| servicenumber = 27987
| unit          =
| commands      =
| battles      =
| battles_label =
| awards        = [[File:Shaurya_Chakra_ribbon.svg|32px]] [[Shaurya Chakra]]
| memorials    =
| relations    =
| laterwork    =
| signature    =
| signature_size =
| signature_alt =
| website      = <!--{{URL|example.com}}-->
| module        =
}}


[[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] '''Varun Singh''' is an [[Indian Air Force]] [[Group captain (India)|group captain]] and pilot who is the sole survivor of the [[2021 Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crash]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bipin Rawat No More: Group Captain Varun Singh Only Survivor In the Chopper Crash{{!}}India Today|url=https://oaklandnewsnow.com/cds-bipin-rawat-no-more-group-captain-varun-singh-only-survivor-in-the-chopper-crash-india-today/|url-status=live|website=Oakland News Now}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India defence boss, wife and 11 others killed in helicopter crash|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/8/india-helicopter-crash-defence-chief-bipin-rawat-on-board|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[Al Jazeera]]|language=en}}</ref> He is a member of the staff of the [[Defence Services Staff College]] (DSSC), and was a passenger accompanying the [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces]], [[General (India)|General]] [[Bipin Rawat]], who was enroute to make a speech to military students and staff at the DSSC, when the [[Mil Mi-17|Mil Mi-17V-5]] they were onboard crashed.<ref>{{cite news |first=M. |last=Saravanan|last2=Sundar|first2=P. S. |date=8 December 2021 |title=First Chief of Defence Bipin Rawat, 12 others killed in chopper crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/dec/08/first-chief-of-defence-bipin-rawat-12-others-killed-in-chopper-crash-in-tamil-nadus-coonoor-2393293.html |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |location= |access-date=10 December 2021}}</ref>
{{Distinguish|Varun Singh Bhati}}[[Group captain (India)|Group Captain]] '''Varun Singh''' [[Shaurya Chakra|SC]] is an [[Indian Air Force]] [[Group captain (India)|group captain]] and pilot who is the sole survivor of the [[2021 Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crash]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bipin Rawat No More: Group Captain Varun Singh Only Survivor In the Chopper Crash{{!}}India Today|url=https://oaklandnewsnow.com/cds-bipin-rawat-no-more-group-captain-varun-singh-only-survivor-in-the-chopper-crash-india-today/|url-status=live|website=Oakland News Now}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India defence boss, wife and 11 others killed in helicopter crash|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/8/india-helicopter-crash-defence-chief-bipin-rawat-on-board|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[Al Jazeera]]|language=en}}</ref> He is a member of the staff of the [[Defence Services Staff College]] (DSSC), and was a passenger accompanying the [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces]], [[General (India)|General]] [[Bipin Rawat]], who was enroute to make a speech to military students and staff at the DSSC, when the [[Mil Mi-17|Mil Mi-17V-5]] they were onboard crashed.<ref>{{cite news |first=M. |last=Saravanan|last2=Sundar|first2=P. S. |date=8 December 2021 |title=First Chief of Defence Bipin Rawat, 12 others killed in chopper crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/dec/08/first-chief-of-defence-bipin-rawat-12-others-killed-in-chopper-crash-in-tamil-nadus-coonoor-2393293.html |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |location= |access-date=10 December 2021}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
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== Career ==
== Career ==
Singh joined the army in 2004, and was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander in 2017. He achieved the rank of [[group captain]] in 2021.
Singh joined the airforce in 2004, being commissioned into the combat (fighter) stream of the IAF as a [[flying officer]] on 19 June 2004; [[Abhinandan Varthaman]] was among his batchmates.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch) |page=1371  |date=30 September 2006 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2006/W_39_2011_076.pdf |publisher=[[The Gazette of India]]}}</ref> He was promoted to [[flight lieutenant]] on 19 June 2006,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch) |page=796  |date=28 June 2008 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2008/W_26_2009_004.pdf |publisher=[[The Gazette of India]]}}</ref> and to [[squadron leader]] on 19 June 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch) |page=119  |date=4 February 2012 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2012/W_5_2012_169.pdf |publisher=[[The Gazette of India]]}}</ref> He was promoted to [[Wing commander (rank)|wing commander]] on 19 June 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch) |page=527  |date=8 February 2020 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/216111.pdf |publisher=[[The Gazette of India]]}}</ref> He achieved the rank of [[group captain]] in 2021.


=== Gaganyaan space program ===
=== Gaganyaan space program ===
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=== Shaurya Chakra ===
=== Shaurya Chakra ===
In 2020, when he was a [[wing commander]], he received the [[Shaurya Chakra]] award from [[Ram Nath Kovind]] on [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] after he managed to safely land his heavily malfunctioning [[LCA Tejas]] aircraft from 10,000 feet in the air during an emergency, managing to save the lives of several people.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=IAF helicopter crash: Lone survivor had close call last year, got Shaurya Chakra for gallantry|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iaf-helicopter-crash-lone-survivor-group-captain-varun-singh-cds-bipin-rawat-dead-7663185/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-08|title=Who is Group Captain Varun Singh? Know about lone survivor of IAF chopper crash|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/who-is-group-captain-varun-singh-know-about-lone-survivor-of-iaf-chopper-crash-101638970325763.html|access-date=2021-12-08|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=|first=|last2=|first2=|last3=|first3=|title=Shaurya Chakra awardee Group Captain Varun Singh, sole survivor of IAF chopper crash, under treatment|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/shaurya-chakra-awardee-captain-varun-singh-iaf-chopper-crash-tamil-nadu-coonor-1885634-2021-12-08|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[India Today]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-08|title=Lone survivor of Mi17V5 helicopter crash is decorated IAF pilot who saved an LCA Tejas|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/lone-survivor-of-mi17v5-helicopter-crash-is-decorated-iaf-pilot-who-saved-an-lca-tejas-1058925.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[Deccan Herald]]|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Quint|first=The|date=2021-12-08|title=Shaurya Chakra Awardee Capt Varun Singh the Sole Survivor of IAF Chopper Crash|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/shaurya-chakra-awardee-captain-varun-singh-the-sole-survivor-of-iaf-chopper-crash|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[TheQuint]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India: Shaurya Chakra awardee survivor can throw light on IAF chopper crash|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/india-shaurya-chakra-awardee-survivor-can-throw-light-on-iaf-chopper-crash-1.84263472|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[Gulf News]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=IAF helicopter crash: Lone survivor had close call last year, got Shaurya Chakra for gallantry|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iaf-helicopter-crash-lone-survivor-group-captain-varun-singh-cds-bipin-rawat-dead-7663185/|access-date=2021-12-08|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=President Kovind confers Shaurya Chakra on Wing Commander Varun Singh|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/president-kovind-confers-shaurya-chakra-on-wing-commander-varun-singh20210815010053/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[ANI News]]|language=en}}</ref>
In October 2020, when he was a [[wing commander]], Singh managed to safely land his heavily malfunctioning [[LCA Tejas]] aircraft from 10,000 feet in the air during an emergency, managing to save the lives of several people; for his accomplishments, he was decorated with the [[Shaurya Chakra]] (SC) in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=IAF helicopter crash: Lone survivor had close call last year, got Shaurya Chakra for gallantry|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iaf-helicopter-crash-lone-survivor-group-captain-varun-singh-cds-bipin-rawat-dead-7663185/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-08|title=Who is Group Captain Varun Singh? Know about lone survivor of IAF chopper crash|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/who-is-group-captain-varun-singh-know-about-lone-survivor-of-iaf-chopper-crash-101638970325763.html|access-date=2021-12-08|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=|first=|last2=|first2=|last3=|first3=|title=Shaurya Chakra awardee Group Captain Varun Singh, sole survivor of IAF chopper crash, under treatment|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/shaurya-chakra-awardee-captain-varun-singh-iaf-chopper-crash-tamil-nadu-coonor-1885634-2021-12-08|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[India Today]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-08|title=Lone survivor of Mi17V5 helicopter crash is decorated IAF pilot who saved an LCA Tejas|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/lone-survivor-of-mi17v5-helicopter-crash-is-decorated-iaf-pilot-who-saved-an-lca-tejas-1058925.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[Deccan Herald]]|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Quint|first=The|date=2021-12-08|title=Shaurya Chakra Awardee Capt Varun Singh the Sole Survivor of IAF Chopper Crash|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/shaurya-chakra-awardee-captain-varun-singh-the-sole-survivor-of-iaf-chopper-crash|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[TheQuint]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=India: Shaurya Chakra awardee survivor can throw light on IAF chopper crash|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/india-shaurya-chakra-awardee-survivor-can-throw-light-on-iaf-chopper-crash-1.84263472|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[Gulf News]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=IAF helicopter crash: Lone survivor had close call last year, got Shaurya Chakra for gallantry|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iaf-helicopter-crash-lone-survivor-group-captain-varun-singh-cds-bipin-rawat-dead-7663185/|access-date=2021-12-08|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=President Kovind confers Shaurya Chakra on Wing Commander Varun Singh|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/president-kovind-confers-shaurya-chakra-on-wing-commander-varun-singh20210815010053/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[ANI News]]|language=en}}</ref> His full citations reads as follows:<ref>{{cite web|title=President Confers Shaurya Chakra On Wing Commander Varun Singh (27987) Flying (Pilot)|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1745962|website=Press Information Bureau of India|date=15 August 2021|accessdate=11 December 2021}}</ref>
 
{{Quotation|
<center>'''WING COMMANDER VARUN SINGH (27987) FLYING (PILOT)'''</center><br/>
Wing Commander Varun Singh (27987) Flying (Pilot) is a pilot in a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Squadron.
 
On 12 Oct 20, he was flying a system check sortie in LCA, away from parent base, after major rectification of Flight Control System (FCS) and pressurisation system (life support environment control system).
 
During the sortie, the cockpit pressurisation failed at high altitude. He correctly identified the failure and initiated a descent to lower altitude for landing.  While descending, the Flight Control System failed and led to total loss of control of the aircraft.  This was an unprecedented catastrophic failure that had never occurred. There was a rapid loss of altitude while in usual attitude, with the aircraft pitching up and down viciously going to the extremities of G limits. Despite being in extreme physical and mental stress in an extreme life-threatening situation, he maintained exemplary composure and regained control of the aircraft, thereby exhibiting exceptional flying skill. Soon thereafter, at about 10,000 feet, the aircraft again experienced total loss of control with vicious manoeuvring and uncontrollable pitching. Under such a scenario, the pilot was at liberty to abandon aircraft. Faced with a potential hazard to his own life, he displayed extraordinary courage and skill to safely land the fighter aircraft. The pilot went beyond the call of duty and landed the aircraft taking calculated risks.  This allowed an accurate analysis of the fault on the indigenously designed fighter and further institution of preventive measures against recurrence. Due to his high order of professionalism, composure and quick decision making, even at the peril to his life, he not only averted the loss of an LCA, but also safeguarded civilian property and population on ground. 
 
For this act of exceptional gallantry, Wg Cdr Varun Singh is conferred with the Shaurya Chakra.}}


=== 2021 air crash ===
=== 2021 air crash ===
On 8 December 2021, a helicopter carrying Singh (who was the crew captain)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Diaz|first=Kim|date=2021-12-09|title=Crew Captain Varun Singh, who survived the helicopter crash, is being shifted to Bangalore for higher remedy.|url=https://thenewstrace.com/crew-captain-varun-singh-who-survived-the-helicopter-crash-is-being-shifted-to-bangalore-for-higher-remedy/207794/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=TheNewsTrace|language=en-US}}</ref> and 13 others [[2021 Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crash|broke down on their way to the Defence Services Staff College]] in [[Wellington, Tamil Nadu|Wellington]], [[Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu.]] All of the people, including the head of the [[Indian Armed Forces]], [[Bipin Rawat]], died, with the sole exception of Singh. The Indian Air force confirmed that he was being treated at a hospital in [[Tamil Nadu]]. He was reported to have serious injuries and to be on life support.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhandari|first=Shashwat|date=2021-12-08|title=IAF helicopter crash: Group Captain Varun Singh lone survivor, battling for life|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/who-is-captain-varun-singh-lone-survivor-in-cds-bipin-rawat-chopper-crash-coonoor-tamil-nadu-748690|access-date=2021-12-08|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-08|title=Varun Singh, sole survivor of Indian military helicopter crash|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/world/south-asia/varun-singh-sole-survivor-indian-military-helicopter-crash-340789|access-date=2021-12-08|website=The Business Standard|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news|title=India military helicopter crash kills 13, including defence chief of staff|work=[[CBC News]]|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/india-helicopter-crash-1.6277591}}</ref> According to doctors, he was still conscious when he was taken for surgery.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sole survivor of IAF chopper crash has family serving in all three services of armed forces|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/tamil-nadu-coonor-iaf-chopper-crash-group-captain-varun-singh-family-armed-forces-1885696-2021-12-08|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[India Today]]|language=en}}</ref>
On 8 December 2021, a helicopter carrying Singh and 13 others [[2021 Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crash|broke down on their way to the Defence Services Staff College]] in [[Wellington, Tamil Nadu|Wellington]], [[Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu.]] All of the people, including the head of the [[Indian Armed Forces]], [[Bipin Rawat]], died, with the sole exception of Singh. The Indian Air force confirmed that he was being treated at a hospital in [[Tamil Nadu]]. He was reported to have serious injuries and to be on life support.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhandari|first=Shashwat|date=2021-12-08|title=IAF helicopter crash: Group Captain Varun Singh lone survivor, battling for life|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/who-is-captain-varun-singh-lone-survivor-in-cds-bipin-rawat-chopper-crash-coonoor-tamil-nadu-748690|access-date=2021-12-08|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-08|title=Varun Singh, sole survivor of Indian military helicopter crash|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/world/south-asia/varun-singh-sole-survivor-indian-military-helicopter-crash-340789|access-date=2021-12-08|website=The Business Standard|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news|title=India military helicopter crash kills 13, including defence chief of staff|work=[[CBC News]]|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/india-helicopter-crash-1.6277591}}</ref> According to doctors, he was still conscious when he was taken for surgery.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sole survivor of IAF chopper crash has family serving in all three services of armed forces|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/tamil-nadu-coonor-iaf-chopper-crash-group-captain-varun-singh-family-armed-forces-1885696-2021-12-08|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-08|website=[[India Today]]|language=en}}</ref>


Singh was airlifted to a hospital in [[Bangalore]] <ref>{{Cite news|title=CDS chopper crash: Lone survivor Group Captain Varun Singh being shifted to Bengaluru, says his father|work=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/cds-chopper-crash-lone-survivor-group-captain-varun-singh-being-shifted-to-bengaluru-says-his-father/articleshow/88182961.cms|access-date=2021-12-09}}</ref>(where better treatment could be provided) and survived the night. His status is reported to remain critical<ref>{{Cite web|last=Service|first=Tribune News|title=Shaurya Chakra awardee Varun Singh survives one night; next 48 hours critical|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/shaurya-chakra-awardee-varun-singh-survives-one-night-next-48-hours-critical-348205|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}}</ref> but his health better than before.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dec 9|first=Shanta Thiagarajan / TNN /|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=16:59|title=Ooty chopper crash lone survivor airlifted to Bengaluru for treatment|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ooty-chopper-crash-lone-survivor-airlifted-to-bengaluru-for-treatment/articleshow/88187432.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=Group Captain Varun Singh, sole survivor of crash, maintaining vitals|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/group-captain-varun-singh-sole-survivor-of-crash-maintaining-vitals-sources-101639028848519.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dec 9|first=Shanta Thiagarajan / TNN /|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=16:59|title=Ooty chopper crash lone survivor airlifted to Bengaluru for treatment|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ooty-chopper-crash-lone-survivor-airlifted-to-bengaluru-for-treatment/articleshow/88187432.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[The Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=Group Captain Varun Singh, who survived chopper crash, to be shifted to Bengaluru|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/group-captain-varun-singh-who-survived-chopper-crash-be-shifted-bengaluru-158536|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Shaurya Chakra awardee Varun Singh survives one night; next 48 hours critical|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]]|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/shaurya-chakra-awardee-varun-singh-survives-one-night-next-48-hours-critical-348205}}</ref> [[Minister of Defence (India)|Indian Defence Minister]] [[Rajnath Singh]] has assured that "all efforts are being made to save him."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Crash Survivor, Group Captain Varun Singh, Airlifted To Bengaluru|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/group-captain-varun-singh-sole-survivor-of-chopper-crash-being-moved-to-hospital-in-bengaluru-2643943|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[NDTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Quint|first=The|date=2021-12-08|title=Varun Singh on Life Support, All Efforts Being Made: Rajnath Singh in Parliament|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/defence-minister-rajnath-parliament-brief-on-crash-of-chopper-carrying-cds-bipin-rawat|access-date=2021-12-09|website=TheQuint|language=en}}</ref> Several people, expressed their wishes for Singh to recover, including his family, [[Indian National Congress|Congress]], [[Ram Nath Kovind]], the US embassy to India,<ref>{{Cite web|title=CDS Rawat Death: US, Israel, Pak and Other Countries Express Condolences|url=https://thewire.in/world/cds-rawat-death-us-israel-pak-and-other-countries-express-condolences|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Wire}}</ref> and members of his hometown.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Prayers galore amid pall of gloom at Group Captain Varun Singh’s village in UP|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/dec/09/prayers-galore-amid-pall-of-gloom-at-group-captain-varun-singhs-village-in-up-2393632.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=President Kovind prays for speedy recovery of chopper crash's lone survivor IAF Group Captain Varun Singh|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/president-kovind-prays-for-speedy-recovery-of-chopper-crashs-lone-survivor-iaf-group-captain-varun-singh20211209132800/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[ANI News]]|language=en}}</ref>
Singh was airlifted to a hospital in [[Bangalore]] <ref>{{Cite news|title=CDS chopper crash: Lone survivor Group Captain Varun Singh being shifted to Bengaluru, says his father|work=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/cds-chopper-crash-lone-survivor-group-captain-varun-singh-being-shifted-to-bengaluru-says-his-father/articleshow/88182961.cms|access-date=2021-12-09}}</ref>(where better treatment could be provided) and survived the night. His status is reported to remain critical<ref>{{Cite web|last=Service|first=Tribune News|title=Shaurya Chakra awardee Varun Singh survives one night; next 48 hours critical|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/shaurya-chakra-awardee-varun-singh-survives-one-night-next-48-hours-critical-348205|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}}</ref> but his health better than before.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dec 9|first=Shanta Thiagarajan / TNN /|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=16:59|title=Ooty chopper crash lone survivor airlifted to Bengaluru for treatment|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ooty-chopper-crash-lone-survivor-airlifted-to-bengaluru-for-treatment/articleshow/88187432.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=Group Captain Varun Singh, sole survivor of crash, maintaining vitals|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/group-captain-varun-singh-sole-survivor-of-crash-maintaining-vitals-sources-101639028848519.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dec 9|first=Shanta Thiagarajan / TNN /|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=16:59|title=Ooty chopper crash lone survivor airlifted to Bengaluru for treatment|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ooty-chopper-crash-lone-survivor-airlifted-to-bengaluru-for-treatment/articleshow/88187432.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[The Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=Group Captain Varun Singh, who survived chopper crash, to be shifted to Bengaluru|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/group-captain-varun-singh-who-survived-chopper-crash-be-shifted-bengaluru-158536|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Shaurya Chakra awardee Varun Singh survives one night; next 48 hours critical|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]]|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/shaurya-chakra-awardee-varun-singh-survives-one-night-next-48-hours-critical-348205}}</ref> [[Minister of Defence (India)|Indian Defence Minister]] [[Rajnath Singh]] has assured that "all efforts are being made to save him."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Crash Survivor, Group Captain Varun Singh, Airlifted To Bengaluru|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/group-captain-varun-singh-sole-survivor-of-chopper-crash-being-moved-to-hospital-in-bengaluru-2643943|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[NDTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Quint|first=The|date=2021-12-08|title=Varun Singh on Life Support, All Efforts Being Made: Rajnath Singh in Parliament|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/defence-minister-rajnath-parliament-brief-on-crash-of-chopper-carrying-cds-bipin-rawat|access-date=2021-12-09|website=TheQuint|language=en}}</ref> Several people, expressed their wishes for Singh to recover, including his family, [[Indian National Congress|Congress]], [[Ram Nath Kovind]], the US embassy to India,<ref>{{Cite web|title=CDS Rawat Death: US, Israel, Pak and Other Countries Express Condolences|url=https://thewire.in/world/cds-rawat-death-us-israel-pak-and-other-countries-express-condolences|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Wire}}</ref> and members of his hometown.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Prayers galore amid pall of gloom at Group Captain Varun Singh’s village in UP|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/dec/09/prayers-galore-amid-pall-of-gloom-at-group-captain-varun-singhs-village-in-up-2393632.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=President Kovind prays for speedy recovery of chopper crash's lone survivor IAF Group Captain Varun Singh|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/president-kovind-prays-for-speedy-recovery-of-chopper-crashs-lone-survivor-iaf-group-captain-varun-singh20211209132800/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[ANI News]]|language=en}}</ref>
Line 27: Line 71:
Singh is 39 years old and is married with two children.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=‘We are hoping he will bounce back’: Father of lone survivor of Coonoor chopper crash|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/varun-singh-coonor-aircraft-crash-7664757/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
Singh is 39 years old and is married with two children.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=‘We are hoping he will bounce back’: Father of lone survivor of Coonoor chopper crash|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/varun-singh-coonor-aircraft-crash-7664757/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


His father, KP Singh, is a retired colonel for the [[Army Air Defence (India)|Army Air Defence]] living in [[Bhopal]].<ref name=":4" /> Varun Singh's brother, Tanuj, is a Lieutenant Commander in the [[Indian Navy]].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=Chopper crash: Lone survivor group captain Varun Singh being shifted to Bengaluru hospital|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chopper-crash-lone-survivor-group-captain-varun-singh-being-shifted-to-bengaluru-hospital-101639041455763.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en}}</ref>
His father, KP Singh, is a retired colonel of the [[Army Air Defence (India)|Army Air Defence]] living in [[Bhopal]].<ref name=":4" /> Varun Singh's brother, Tanuj, is a Lieutenant Commander in the [[Indian Navy]].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=Chopper crash: Lone survivor group captain Varun Singh being shifted to Bengaluru hospital|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chopper-crash-lone-survivor-group-captain-varun-singh-being-shifted-to-bengaluru-hospital-101639041455763.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en}}</ref>


His uncle is [[Akhilesh Pratap Singh]], a politician who represented [[Rudrapur (Assembly constituency)|Rudrapur]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] for five years until 2017. He also serves as spokesman for the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />
His uncle is [[Akhilesh Pratap Singh]], a politician who represented [[Rudrapur (Assembly constituency)|Rudrapur]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] for five years until 2017. He also serves as spokesman for the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />

Revision as of 21:45, 11 December 2021

Group Captain

Varun Singh

SC
Born1982
Kanholi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Allegiance India
Service/branch Indian Air Force
Years of service2004 to present
Rank Group Captain
Service number27987
Awards Shaurya Chakra
Not to be confused with Varun Singh Bhati.

Group Captain Varun Singh SC is an Indian Air Force group captain and pilot who is the sole survivor of the 2021 Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crash.[1][2] He is a member of the staff of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and was a passenger accompanying the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, General Bipin Rawat, who was enroute to make a speech to military students and staff at the DSSC, when the Mil Mi-17V-5 they were onboard crashed.[3]

Early life

Singh was born in 1982 in Kanholi, in the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh.[4] He has stated that as a child he considered himself to be a "very average" and "mediocre" student, but he " had a passion for airplanes and aviation." He served as the representative for his school in the Aeronautical Society of India Quiz twice.[5]

He first studied in Odisha before he applied for the National Defence Academy; passing the exams on his first try.[6][7]

Career

Singh joined the airforce in 2004, being commissioned into the combat (fighter) stream of the IAF as a flying officer on 19 June 2004; Abhinandan Varthaman was among his batchmates.[8] He was promoted to flight lieutenant on 19 June 2006,[9] and to squadron leader on 19 June 2010.[10] He was promoted to wing commander on 19 June 2017.[11] He achieved the rank of group captain in 2021.

Gaganyaan space program

Singh became one of the top twelve initial choices for the Gaganyaan crew module, but was unable to attend due to medical issues.[12][13] In September 2021 Singh commented that "In 2019 I was in the first list of 12 candidates for ISRO's Gaganyaan programme. Though, I did not make the final cut due to a medical requirement."[5]

Shaurya Chakra

In October 2020, when he was a wing commander, Singh managed to safely land his heavily malfunctioning LCA Tejas aircraft from 10,000 feet in the air during an emergency, managing to save the lives of several people; for his accomplishments, he was decorated with the Shaurya Chakra (SC) in 2021.[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] His full citations reads as follows:[22]

WING COMMANDER VARUN SINGH (27987) FLYING (PILOT)


Wing Commander Varun Singh (27987) Flying (Pilot) is a pilot in a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Squadron.

On 12 Oct 20, he was flying a system check sortie in LCA, away from parent base, after major rectification of Flight Control System (FCS) and pressurisation system (life support environment control system).

During the sortie, the cockpit pressurisation failed at high altitude. He correctly identified the failure and initiated a descent to lower altitude for landing. While descending, the Flight Control System failed and led to total loss of control of the aircraft. This was an unprecedented catastrophic failure that had never occurred. There was a rapid loss of altitude while in usual attitude, with the aircraft pitching up and down viciously going to the extremities of G limits. Despite being in extreme physical and mental stress in an extreme life-threatening situation, he maintained exemplary composure and regained control of the aircraft, thereby exhibiting exceptional flying skill. Soon thereafter, at about 10,000 feet, the aircraft again experienced total loss of control with vicious manoeuvring and uncontrollable pitching. Under such a scenario, the pilot was at liberty to abandon aircraft. Faced with a potential hazard to his own life, he displayed extraordinary courage and skill to safely land the fighter aircraft. The pilot went beyond the call of duty and landed the aircraft taking calculated risks. This allowed an accurate analysis of the fault on the indigenously designed fighter and further institution of preventive measures against recurrence. Due to his high order of professionalism, composure and quick decision making, even at the peril to his life, he not only averted the loss of an LCA, but also safeguarded civilian property and population on ground.

For this act of exceptional gallantry, Wg Cdr Varun Singh is conferred with the Shaurya Chakra.

2021 air crash

On 8 December 2021, a helicopter carrying Singh and 13 others broke down on their way to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. All of the people, including the head of the Indian Armed Forces, Bipin Rawat, died, with the sole exception of Singh. The Indian Air force confirmed that he was being treated at a hospital in Tamil Nadu. He was reported to have serious injuries and to be on life support.[23][16][15][24][18][25] According to doctors, he was still conscious when he was taken for surgery.[26]

Singh was airlifted to a hospital in Bangalore [27](where better treatment could be provided) and survived the night. His status is reported to remain critical[28] but his health better than before.[29][30][31][32][33] Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured that "all efforts are being made to save him."[34][35] Several people, expressed their wishes for Singh to recover, including his family, Congress, Ram Nath Kovind, the US embassy to India,[36] and members of his hometown.[37][38]

Personal life

Singh is 39 years old and is married with two children.[7]

His father, KP Singh, is a retired colonel of the Army Air Defence living in Bhopal.[7] Varun Singh's brother, Tanuj, is a Lieutenant Commander in the Indian Navy.[34][39]

His uncle is Akhilesh Pratap Singh, a politician who represented Rudrapur, Uttar Pradesh for five years until 2017. He also serves as spokesman for the Indian National Congress.[7][37]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Bipin Rawat No More: Group Captain Varun Singh Only Survivor In the Chopper Crash|India Today". Oakland News Now.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ↑ "India defence boss, wife and 11 others killed in helicopter crash". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2021-12-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ↑ Saravanan, M.; Sundar, P. S. (8 December 2021). "First Chief of Defence Bipin Rawat, 12 others killed in chopper crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  4. ↑ "Who is Varun Singh Lone Survivor Of IAF Chopper Crash That Killed CDS Bipin Rawat". outlookindia. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "You may be mediocre in school, but it's not what decide your future: Survivor of chopper crash". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ↑ "Coonoor Chopper Crash: Captain Varun Singh's Village in UP Continues to Pray For Him". CNN-News18. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "'We are hoping he will bounce back': Father of lone survivor of Coonoor chopper crash". The Indian Express. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  8. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 30 September 2006. p. 1371.
  9. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 28 June 2008. p. 796.
  10. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 4 February 2012. p. 119.
  11. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Air Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 8 February 2020. p. 527.
  12. ↑ ""It's OK To Be Mediocre": Officer Who Survived Crash Wrote To His School". NDTV. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ↑ Dec 9, Arvind Chauhan / TNN /; 2021; Ist, 20:26. "East Uttar Pradesh village soars high on hope for its fighter's safety". The Times of India. Retrieved 2021-12-09. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ↑ "IAF helicopter crash: Lone survivor had close call last year, got Shaurya Chakra for gallantry". The Indian Express. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Who is Group Captain Varun Singh? Know about lone survivor of IAF chopper crash". Hindustan Times. 2021-12-08. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Shaurya Chakra awardee Group Captain Varun Singh, sole survivor of IAF chopper crash, under treatment". India Today. Retrieved 2021-12-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ↑ "Lone survivor of Mi17V5 helicopter crash is decorated IAF pilot who saved an LCA Tejas". Deccan Herald. 2021-12-08. Retrieved 2021-12-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Quint, The (2021-12-08). "Shaurya Chakra Awardee Capt Varun Singh the Sole Survivor of IAF Chopper Crash". TheQuint. Retrieved 2021-12-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ↑ "India: Shaurya Chakra awardee survivor can throw light on IAF chopper crash". Gulf News. Retrieved 2021-12-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ↑ "IAF helicopter crash: Lone survivor had close call last year, got Shaurya Chakra for gallantry". The Indian Express. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
  21. ↑ "President Kovind confers Shaurya Chakra on Wing Commander Varun Singh". ANI News. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ↑ "President Confers Shaurya Chakra On Wing Commander Varun Singh (27987) Flying (Pilot)". Press Information Bureau of India. 15 August 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  23. ↑ Bhandari, Shashwat (2021-12-08). "IAF helicopter crash: Group Captain Varun Singh lone survivor, battling for life". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
  24. ↑ "Varun Singh, sole survivor of Indian military helicopter crash". The Business Standard. 2021-12-08. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
  25. ↑ "India military helicopter crash kills 13, including defence chief of staff". CBC News.
  26. ↑ "Sole survivor of IAF chopper crash has family serving in all three services of armed forces". India Today. Retrieved 2021-12-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ↑ "CDS chopper crash: Lone survivor Group Captain Varun Singh being shifted to Bengaluru, says his father". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  28. ↑ Service, Tribune News. "Shaurya Chakra awardee Varun Singh survives one night; next 48 hours critical". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  29. ↑ Dec 9, Shanta Thiagarajan / TNN /; 2021; Ist, 16:59. "Ooty chopper crash lone survivor airlifted to Bengaluru for treatment". The Times of India. Retrieved 2021-12-09. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  30. ↑ "Group Captain Varun Singh, sole survivor of crash, maintaining vitals". Hindustan Times. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ↑ Dec 9, Shanta Thiagarajan / TNN /; 2021; Ist, 16:59. "Ooty chopper crash lone survivor airlifted to Bengaluru for treatment". The Times of India. Retrieved 2021-12-09. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  32. ↑ "Group Captain Varun Singh, who survived chopper crash, to be shifted to Bengaluru". The News Minute. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  33. ↑ "Shaurya Chakra awardee Varun Singh survives one night; next 48 hours critical". The Tribune (Chandigarh).
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Crash Survivor, Group Captain Varun Singh, Airlifted To Bengaluru". NDTV. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  35. ↑ Quint, The (2021-12-08). "Varun Singh on Life Support, All Efforts Being Made: Rajnath Singh in Parliament". TheQuint. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  36. ↑ "CDS Rawat Death: US, Israel, Pak and Other Countries Express Condolences". The Wire. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 "Prayers galore amid pall of gloom at Group Captain Varun Singh's village in UP". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  38. ↑ "President Kovind prays for speedy recovery of chopper crash's lone survivor IAF Group Captain Varun Singh". ANI News. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  39. ↑ "Chopper crash: Lone survivor group captain Varun Singh being shifted to Bengaluru hospital". Hindustan Times. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2021-12-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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