REMEMBERING DADU: SELF MADE LEGEND

 

“Legends are made, not born”.

Some are self-made.

Their actions speak rather than the words.

 

 

Air Marshal Partha Kumar  Dey PVSM AVSM

Former AOC-in-C South Western Air Command, Indian Air Force

 

 

Fifth PK Dey memorial lecture is scheduled on 18 May 24 at Bangalore International Center. 

 

 

 

Air Marshal PK Dey Was well known in the Indian Air Force for his acumen, Intelligence and straight forward approach. He was an exceptional professional, a good human being, a true friend, a loving – son, husband, brother, father and grand father. He was known as Babi in his friend circle, at home he was Baba for all of us. Once the grand children were born, all of us fondly started addressing him as DADU. 

 

We all do miss him.

Thinking of you, and wishing you a peaceful and happy time wherever you are. With love from Asha, Nikhil, Deepshikha, Anil, Adhir, Pranav, Adithi and so many of us !!

 

He had a very Illustrious career 

• • • Youngest officer to be commissioned in the IAF at the age of 19 years and 8 months.

 

• • • Youngest to become a test pilot at the age of 24 years.

• 

 

• Youngest to be awarded AVSM as a Wing Commander.

 

• • • Flew almost sixty types of aircraft.
  •  
    • Served in ASTE in every rank. Commanded it twice (as air commodore and as Air Vice Marshal).
  •  
    • Commanded two fighter squadrons and two bases.

The list is endless…….

 

His Air Force Journey in his own words

 

 

 

 

I Learnt from him……..

Air Marshal PK Dey( Baba / Dadu) was much more than a Father-in Law to me. He was my role Model.  Some of the things I picked from him:-

 

• • • Be a good human being first and then a professional.

 

• • • Do not procrastinate (His table was always bare as he cleared all the work and files immediately).

 

• • • Do not hesitate to take considered decisions.

 

• • • Delegate and give subordinates freedom to work.

 

• • • Be aware – read, read and read.

 

• • • Be frank and speak your mind – call spade a spade. Give your honest opinion.

 

• • • Be tolerant to others, their views and beliefs. Do not impose your ideas and beliefs onto others. 

 

• • • Maintain Balance. Work hard and play harder.

 

 

Some Coincidences….

• • • Both of us played Squash in our earlier years.

 

• • • Both of us were keen puzzle and crossword solvers.

 

• • • His service number was 4404, and that is number of hours I flew in my service career.

 

 

रास्ते बदल जाते हैं, मौसम बदल जाते हैं
बस बातें रह जाती हैं, यादें रह जाती हैं

 

His Testing Memories

 

The Partition: As he remembered.

 

Tribute  by Gp Capt Kapil Bhargava

 

 

 

 

 

As remembered by  Air Marshal Inamdar

 

As Remembered by Air Marshal Raghu Rajan

 

As Remembered by Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

 

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References and credits

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