The immortal legacy of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the Indian Air Force's sole recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, has been permanently enshrined within the hallowed halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan. A newly inaugurated gallery dedicated to the nation's highest military honour now proudly displays his portrait, a move that has deeply moved his family from Ludhiana.
A Nephew's Pride: A Legacy Honoured at the Highest Level
Amardeep Singh, the 42-year-old nephew and custodian of Sekhon's medal, travelled from Ludhiana's Rajguru Nagar to Delhi for the historic inauguration. The ceremony, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, was a four-hour event that brought together families of ten Param Vir Chakra awardees. For Singh, the moment his uncle's portrait was unveiled was profoundly emotional, marking a national recognition of a sacrifice made over fifty years ago.
The event saw the presence of high-ranking dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh. Following the formal proceedings, the families were hosted for lunch and given a guided tour of the presidential estate. Each family was presented with a ceremonial shawl and a commemorative memento, cementing the state's gratitude.
The 1971 War Hero: A Legend of Ludhiana and the IAF
The story of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is etched in the annals of India's military history. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his "sublime heroism" during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In an act of incredible bravery, he single-handedly engaged six enemy Pakistani aircraft defending the Srinagar airfield, an action that cost him his life but saved the base.
Retired Brigadier Surinder Singh Gill echoed the sentiments of many, stating that India remains proud of Sekhon. "Having his portrait in the PVC Gallery is a befitting tribute to the bravery and valour he displayed. Ludhiana residents carry his legacy with great pride," he said. The city of Ludhiana continues to revere its most celebrated war hero.
Continuous National Recognition for a Timeless Sacrifice
The gallery inauguration is not an isolated honour. It represents the latest in a series of national tributes to Sekhon's memory. Amardeep Singh recalled that the Indian Air Force celebrated his uncle's birth anniversary in Srinagar just this past July. Furthermore, two years ago, the government named an island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago after the brave officer.
With Flying Officer Sekhon having no children, the solemn duty of preserving his memory and the physical Param Vir Chakra medal now rests with his nephew Amardeep Singh and his mother, Jagnandan Kaur. This latest honour at the President's house ensures that the story of his unparalleled courage will inspire generations of Indians to come.
