It was mid-monsoon. But this July morning was crisp and crystal clear with a sparkling sun beaming at the greenery below when Marshal of the IAF, the then CAS, landed at Hindon airbase to make his retirement farewell-visit. Almost all the men of the air-station were lined up on the apron on one end of the runway for the formal parade commanded by the station commander himself. The Marshal landed in a Chetak helicopter on the apron at the other end of the runway, about three km from the parade.
I, as a young air-warrior, was detailed to receive the Marshal and escort him to the parade to take the formal salute. My job was essentially to open and close the car door which I never got a chance to do because the Marshal did it himself before I could even react.
So we began the journey from the helicopter in the Ambassador car driving on the deserted taxiway. About halfway down, the car stalled! Car battery was weak and could not turn the engine with sufficient torque for it to start. The Marshal got down. And, in full regalia, medals and all, began to push the car. I too rushed to assist him and we push-started the car. The Marshal got in. And at the parade he got out smiling, tall, erect, and not a crease on his regalia!
Had the Marshal given even a hint of the car problem, many, many, heads would have rolled. But he didn’t. Neither then. Nor later. Nor ever.
“Why do they love you, Marshal?” Because you are a great soldier? Yes, that too. But what they really love you for is your humility, simplicity, and sincerity.
Adieu! Marshal of the IAF, Padma Vibhushan Arjan Singh, DFC. You will forever live in our heart and mind.
—- as told by Prakash Kala
