Anand Gode hailed from the Modern School, New Delhi. At NDA, he initially belonged to Bravo Squadron and later moved to Alpha. An exceptionally intelligent, well-read, and cheerful individual, Anand's journey began with Engineering at BITS Pilani after a brief stint at St. Stephen’s, Delhi. Interestingly, he faced a setback during a Physics exam, failing in the term but acing the retest just before the term break. Unfortunately, this turnaround was perceived as using unfair means, leading to his relegation. True to his nature, Anand did not contest the decision and graduated with the 57th NDA course.

Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force, Anand flew Hunters at the OCU in Kalaikunda, West Bengal. In 1982, he shifted to Tezpur, Assam, for MiG-21 conversion. In 1983, Anand joined his first operational squadron - 17 Sqn, the Golden Arrows, which later became the first IAF squadron equipped with the Rafale. Anand married Sujata in 1984 during his tenure in Bhatinda.

Anand later served as a senior squadron pilot in the MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU), Tezpur, where young IAF pilots were trained. In 1992, he moved to 29 Sqn in Jamnagar but later underwent a change of stream to helicopters due to medical reasons. Posted to Sirsawa, Saharanpur, Anand contributed significantly to maintaining border posts along the Tibet border. In 1997, he received a VM for a daring rescue operation for the ITBP.

After completing the 53rd DSSC Air Staff Course in 1997-98, Anand was posted at Hindan. Opting for premature retirement in 2003 at HQ WAC IAF, he and his wife Sujata ventured into interior designing in Bengaluru.

Tragically, in May 2003, Anand had a fatal fall while inspecting an AC vent in a 5th-floor flat. Remembered for his passion for literature and music, Anand Gode was a team player who balanced work and life exceptionally well, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him.

He is survived by his former wife Sujata (now remarried) and their daughters. Sujata, a successful interiors architect, resides in Bengaluru and is actively involved in dog care and rehabilitation. Both daughters have pursued successful careers in law, with Avanthika currently enjoying a sabbatical in Goa and Anamika gearing up for her Masters in International Law in Geneva. Anand's younger brother, Gautam, settled in Noida, is a Founder Partner of Samara Capital, a thriving PE Fund.

Updated with inputs from Rajiv Battish and David Devasahayam.

🙏May his soul rest in peace🙏