56th NDA had two Air Force cadets with the same name. One from Juliet and the other from Lima. The one from Juliet left us early whereas the other (now RKS Bhadauria) rose to become the CAS. Rakesh K Singh of Juliet belonged to a services family from Kanpur, later settled in Lucknow. RK’s father was from the Indian Navy and was posted in Kolkata for a number of years (probably he was seconded to the NCC). Rakesh was the middle one of the three siblings. His elder brother Kuldeep Singh had joined the Indian Navy while the younger Vinay Kr Singh sailed for the Merchant Navy.

RK Singh was a quintessential Lucknowi, always polite and well behaved. He had a good command over the English language. Slightly-built, he was not particularly enthusiastic about physical activity. An even-tempered individual, he always maintained his friendly manner and demeanour. He was a gentle human being and behaved in a dignified manner with everyone. He was one of the two witnesses who signed on Rajan Kapur’s will in Air Force Academy.

RK was selected for the fighter stream of the IAF. He had a smooth initial training phase. Thereafter, he moved to OCU Kalaikunda (1980), 8th Squadron in Tezpur (1981) & 37 Squadron in Adampur (1982). Later, 37th Squadron- the BlackPanthers moved to Chandigarh. Smokey Mann (Golf) & Ashok Lal (Kilo) were the other coursemates in that Squadron. In Chandigarh, they were joined by MN Sharan (F56) & Battish (H56) who were posted in 7th Squadron- the Battleaxes. Adding Paulson Joseph(125 PC) to this gang of five, 56th course had a formidable presence and command at the AirForce Officers’ Mess in Chandigarh.

RK was a quiet, unassuming and a very simple man. A second generation Fauji, he was very particular about his social conduct. RK was very fond of watching movies. He would plan a number of group outings, but he was very particular about going Dutch as far as expenditure was concerned. He taught his buddies the value of keeping accounts squared, always and every time. From Tezpur, in 1982, Anand Parab (B56), RK & Battish made a visit to Shillong (Switzerland of the East those days). It was a dream visit worth cherishing for a lifetime. During that trip, RK handled the finances and promptly settled all the accounts.

All 56th NDA coursemates, at Chandigarh, owned Yezdi motorcycles. Often, the gang of five used to go out together to paint the city red. These outings were made in formations of proud young fighter pilots on their prized possessions! They would weave patterns on the Chandigarh roads - many a time catching the attention of the beautiful college girls of GCG & MCM! At the new year dance, RK met a nice girl, and he was very keen to build up his friendship! Unfortunately, it was not to be as destiny had different plans for RK.

It was the fateful evening of September 1984, RK was on his Yezdi CHH 8027. Three coursemates were returning to the Air Force Station after an enjoyable time in the city. Sharan was in the lead, followed by Battish and trailing member being RK. All were in visual contact till the 31st Sector, and then there was a sharp turn towards the Mess. Sharan and Battish reached the Mess and moved to the Dining Hall. RK did not join. After about 15 minutes of no contact, Sharan and Battish drove back looking out for the missing Wingman. RK’s bike was lying on the roadside in Sector 31. RK had hit the roadside pavement edge and was thrown off his bike. Squadron Leader Ajit Bhavnani, his Flight Commander (later VCAS) had seen him on the road. He took him in his car to the MI room, which immediately rushed him to the Command Hospital. Externally, RK had just a few bruises, but internally he had damaged himself quite a bit. In spite of all the medical help, RK did not see the light of the next day.

19th Sep 1984 was the last living day for young Rakesh Kumar Singh. A nice, well behaved, friendly, extremely meticulous and a complete team man was lost very early in life. We lost a precious coursemate that evening. May the Almighty bless his Soul.

Penned with inputs from Sardar Harpal Singh, Rajan Kapur, AKRC Dutta and Rajiv Battish.

🙏May his soul rest in peace🙏