Former Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha received the Lifetime Achievement award from General Shankar Roychowdhury, a former Chief of Army Staff. On being asked why more Bengalis don’t sign up for the air force, the Air Chief Marshal said: “I know young Bengalis have the qualities to become good fighters... to not only have physical strength but also possess razor-sharp intelligence, the determination and mental strength to fight... they can compete with anyone from other areas of the country.”
What’s the proudest moment in his career, t2 later asked him. “The air force has made me proud throughout my career. But the proudest moment was when the Indian Air Force helped carry out relief work in Nepal after the April 2015 earthquake. We were there within four hours of the first earthquake striking. The air force’s exemplary relief work made me very proud.” Raha, who loves reading books, is “enjoying the anonymity as people don’t recognise me here (Calcutta). But I am thankful for this recognition that this award has brought me,” he said.
On the occasion of Independence Day, the President of India has awarded one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service), four Tatrakshak Medals (Gallantry) and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) to Indian Coast Guard personnel for displaying conspicuous acts of gallantry, distinguished and meritorious service. The detailed list of the awardees are as follows:-
TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
· Comdt (JG) Abdus Sadek Ali, P No. (0671-X)
These awards are being given to the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard on Republic Day and Independence Day every year, since 26 Jan 1990.
