A remarkable tale of unwavering determination is soaring out of Mohali, where a young Punjab Police constable has traded his patrol duties for the cockpit. Constable Gursimran Singh Bains, after persistent efforts, has successfully clinched a position in the prestigious flying branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Journey from Khaki to Flight Suit
Gursimran Singh Bains, aged 22, is set to embark on a transformative journey. Having cleared the rigorous Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, he will soon join the Air Force Academy to commence training as a Flying Officer. This achievement marks a significant shift from his role in the Punjab Police, which he joined in August 2022.
An alumnus of Mohali's Meritorious School, Bains completed his Bachelor of Arts from Panjab University's Centre for Distance and Online Education. His path to the IAF was not straightforward; this was his fourth attempt. He had previously tried for entry through the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the technical branches, facing narrow misses each time.
"Failures never discouraged me," Bains stated. "Each attempt taught me more and strengthened my resolve to join the Air Force." His successful entry came after he cleared the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) with a score of 143, which qualified him for the SSB.
Inspiration Behind the Ambition
Bains's aspiration was fueled by a combination of personal fascination and a family dream. His early interest in the Air Force was sparked by watching aircraft such as the MI-17, Chinook, and AN-32 fly over his school in Mohali. Later, observing Garud Commandos training with MI-17 helicopters in his native Ropar district further solidified his ambition, highlighting the elite role of the force in special operations.
The dream also became a family mission. His father, a driver who couldn't pursue studies in his youth, was a driving force. "My father used to say that his son must wear an officer's uniform one day. That became my biggest motivation," Bains recalled.
A Symbol of Pride and Perseverance
Constable Bains's selection is a moment of immense pride for both his family and the Punjab Police force. His story stands as a powerful inspiration for countless young individuals across the nation who dare to aim high despite setbacks.
Offering straightforward advice to aspiring candidates, Bains emphasized the core values that guided him: "Discipline, hard work, and never giving up — that's the only secret." His ascent from the streets of Mohali to the skies of the Indian Air Force is a soaring testament to what relentless grit and clear ambition can achieve.
