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IAF Officer Bids Final Farewell to Wing Commander Namansh Syal as Thousands Honor the Fallen Pilot
Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who died in the LCA Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show, was given a solemn military farewell in Kangra. His wife, an IAF officer, saluted his coffin as state leaders paid tribute, calling the loss “unbearable for both the state and the nation.”
An Indian Air Force officer offered a final salute to her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the LCA Tejas crash during the Dubai Air Show.
Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma paid tribute on behalf of the Himachal Pradesh government, calling the tragedy “an unbearable loss for both the state and the country.”
Kangra came together on Sunday to bid a solemn, emotional, yet proud farewell to Wing Commander Syal. His mortal remains arrived at Kangra Airport this afternoon from the Sulur Air Base in Coimbatore. His wife, Afshan Akhtar—herself an IAF officer—stood bravely with their young daughter as the tricolour-wrapped coffin was handed over, even as grief overwhelmed her.
Ayush, Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvinder Goma; Nagrota Bagwan MLA and HPTDC Chairperson Raghubir Singh Bali; Shahpur MLA and Chief Whip Kewal Pathania; the Deputy Commissioner; and senior military and civil officers were present to pay their respects.
From the airport, the cortege proceeded to his ancestral village, Patialkhar near Yol, where he was cremated with full military honours. Hundreds lined the route, chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” their voices echoing across the valley in a powerful tribute to the fallen hero. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as the officer’s mother clung to her son’s coffin, while his wife, in full uniform, offered the final salute—an emotional moment that reflected both love and unwavering service to the nation.
Minister Goma laid a wreath on behalf of the state government, describing the loss as “immeasurable for Himachal and for India,” and assured the family of full government support. Former Speaker and Sulah MLA Vipin Singh Parmar remembered Wing Commander Syal as an exceptionally skilled pilot, calling his death “a major blow to the nation.”
Senior officers, civil officials, and a large contingent of ex-servicemen gathered to honour him. District Sainik Welfare Officer Colonel Gopal Guleria praised the Air Force unit stationed in Yol for the dignified arrangements made for the ceremony.
Amid the hills of Kangra, the nation saluted one of its finest—Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a brave son of Himachal whose courage and dedication will continue to inspire generations.
