Marshal of Indian Air Force died after suffering a a cardiac arrest.
Marshal Arjan Singh, died of cardiac arrest. While the entire nation mourns at the sad demise, actor Mandira Bedi talks about her uncle and his loving relation with his wife.
Yes, not many of us have known that Marshal Arjan Singh was actor Mandira Bedi's maternal uncle. Bedi's maasi (mother's sister) was married to Arjan Singh.
Actor remembers meeting him, on her Delhi visits. She was quoted saying by HT: "Every time I used to come down to Delhi for more than a day, I always used to visit him. Even at the age of 98, he was such a great conversationalist, he spoke so well, so correct and coherent. He defied age in every way. If one looks back at his life, he has lived such a full life, so distinguished and respectable. I feel privileged that I am a part of his family."
Mandira reached Delhi, early morning on Sunday. While recalling the tales from the past Mandira said, “My masi and him shared the most beautiful and loving relationship. Not a day would go by, without them saying ‘I love you’ to each other.”
Arjan Singh, the war hero of the 1965 India-Pakistan war was the only Air Force officer to be promoted to five-star rank.
Mandira adds, "There are so many achievements but he never wanted to talk about what all he did in his life. He was a very good listener and always wanted to know about your life and how you are doing. He listened. All the time, he’d ask me how I was doing and what work I was busy with and how my son was. He was just so wonderful to be around." At the age of 98 also he used to play golf twice a week.
State funeral for Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh
A state funeral will be accorded to Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh and the national flag will fly at half mast at all government buildings here tomorrow in his honour, the Home ministry said today.
The last rites of Singh, who passed away at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital yesterday, would be performed at Brar Square here at 10 am tomorrow.
"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, a state funeral will be accorded and national flag will fly half-mast on the day of the funeral (September 18) in Delhi at all buildings where it is flown regularly," a Home Ministry spokesperson said.
The Defence Ministry said Singh's mortal remains will be taken to the funeral site from his residence in a gun carriage procession tomorrow.
It said a gun salute will be given and a fly past will be organised before the final rites.
Arjan Singh, the hero of the 1965 India-Pakistan war and the only Air Force officer to be promoted to five-star rank, died here yesterday at the age of 98.
He was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the IAF when he was only 44 years old, a task he carried out with elan. He was the chief of the IAF when it found itself at the forefront of the 1965 conflict.
Singh, who had flown more than 60 different types of aircraft, had played a major role in transforming the IAF into one of the most potent air forces globally and the fourth biggest in the world.
Known as a man of few words, he was not only a fearless fighter pilot but had profound knowledge about air power which he applied in a wide spectrum of air operations. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour, in 1965.
With inputs from PTI
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 "Mandira Bedi and Arjan Singh")
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