THE 100th birthday of squadron leader Onkar Singh (Retd) was celebrated at 3 Base Repair Depot (3 BRD), Chandigarh on Thursday in the presence of Air Chief Marshal A P Singh. The Air Chief Marshal was accompanied by senior serving and ex-IAF officers, including Air Marshal Jagjeet Singh (Retd), senior vice president of Air Force Association (AFA) and family and friends of Onkar Singh. He was surrounded by four generations of his family at the function. Onkar Singh was a specialist aeronautical engineer of the Dakota aircraft and served the IAF with dedication, professionalism, and distinction, an official statement said. Throughout his service and post-retirement life, he has remained known for his discipline, commitment to fitness, and positive outlook, it said.

 

The veteran officer remains a source of inspiration and his legacy of service is reflected in the achievement of his family members, who have excelled in the armed forces, aviation and other professions, it said on Thursday. Crediting the Indian Air Force lifestyle, discipline, physical activity and the support of a close-knit family for his longevity, the veteran officer said he remains a proud ambassador of the value of the air force. During the celebration, he reiterated the motto of IAF: “Touch the sky with glory!” In a post on X, the IAF also shared photos of the birthday celebrations, with IAF chief A P Singh offering a piece of cake to him. “A century of service. A lifetime of inspiration. “The Indian Air Force salutes Sqn Ldr Onkar Singh (Retd) on his 100th birthday..... The centenarian officer stands as a living embodiment of the IAF ethos -- Mission, Integrity and Excellence,” the post said.