Authorities brought the mortal remains of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal to his native village in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday and cremated him with full military honours.
The 34-year-old officer hailed from Patiyalkar village near Yol in the Nagrota Bagwan region of Kangra district.
Wing Commander Syal built an exemplary service record and served at the Hyderabad airbase. His wife Afsaan, also an IAF officer, and their five-year-old daughter survive him.
His parents, Jagan Nath and Bina Devi, were in Hyderabad to meet him when tragedy struck on November 21.
The HAL-designed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft he was flying during a low-altitude manoeuvre at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, reportedly lost control before crashing and catching fire.
Jagan Nath, a former serviceman and later a principal in the Himachal Pradesh Education Department, joined the community in mourning a son remembered for discipline, dedication, and courage.
The Southern Air Command paid tribute in a message on X, stating, “Honouring Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Dubai Air Show. His courage, skill, and dedication to the nation will forever inspire us. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.”
The IAF described him as a committed professional whose dignified conduct and exceptional service earned him deep respect.
Officials noted that UAE representatives, Indian Embassy officials, colleagues, and friends attended his send-off, reflecting the widespread admiration he commanded.
“The IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honours his legacy of courage, devotion and honour,” the force said in its statement.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed condolences, calling him “a brave son of India taken far too soon.”
State Minister for Youth Services and Sports Yadwinder Goma and local MLA Raghubir Singh Bali were among the political leaders present at the cremation, representing the state government.
The nation mourns Wing Commander Syal’s sacrifice and will remember his service and spirit with lasting gratitude.
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