This jovial Andhraite from Mumbai was a man of his own sort. Nagendra Gurunatham Gorti was decent but did not take things lying down. I remember he struggled in his efforts against seniors on a manhandling issue. Good in academics and a torch holder, he did well in the NDA and participated in all games and extracurricular activities. He was famous for his one-liner practical jokes. On weekends he used to do vanishing acts and visit Mumbai quite often. The only son who wanted to join the Air Force but couldn't, even after he applied for a change of service in the Academy. Finally, he felt it was the best to go for Air OP.

Quiet, gentle and was in good terms with Mossati & Tuita- his classification and bidi types. Though short, was tall in conduct and behaviour, was large-hearted and always ready to help others. In the fifth term when Kiran Thacker was caught drinking by Squady who warned him of dire consequences and insisted on marching him up to the Batty. Gorti stood by Thacker the whole night, and when Thacker was in front of Batty's office, Gorti traced the Div O, Capt S P S Boparai and got him to Batty's office to save Thacker. That was his concern for his coursemates. Gestures like that can't be forgotten forever.

Gorti was commissioned into Artillery, and he was doing very well. He did well on all the courses he attended. He was one of the top contenders for the silver gun during YOs Course. Subsequently, he topped advance gunnery course, and the school of Artillery has since instituted the Gorti medal for officers standing first in the Advance Gunnery Course. He had joined Air OP and became a pilot.

In the Air OP course, in which nine of our course mates from 66 Regular were there, he bagged the trophy for the "Best Shot" (Arty shooting from the air). He was overjoyed when he got his first Air OP posting to Ranchi in 23 Air OP Flt since it was one of the best units for grooming for further flying prospects. He was doing very well in that fleet and was under posting.

On that fateful day of 03 Nov 1987, he was flying the Chopper as part of the Home Minister's entourage. During their return to Ranchi from Gumla in poor visibility conditions his aircraft crashed near the village Tupudana (3 NMs from Ranchi), and we lost a jewel. Gorti's funeral was arranged in Ranchi with full Military Honours.

His parents and relatives attended the 1st death anniversary in the unit. Havan and puja were performed in the unit mandir. Homage was paid to the departed soul, and wreaths were laid at the memorial which had been constructed in the unit's premises.

His parents and sisters are as spirited as Nagendra was. They instituted a Trophy in his memory in Combat Aviation Training School. We miss his indomitable spirit and his cheerful smiles.

Penned with inputs from DD Ghorpade, Kiran Thacker, Ranjan Kapur and PN Chaudhary.

🙏May his soul rest in peace🙏