Group Captain R S MANN, SC …..52/ ECHO, National Defence Academy
FAREWELL
Rangat got commissioned on 07 Jul 78 at AFA, Dundigal. He joined helicopter stream of F(P) branch. He flew extensively across the country – from Siachen to Srilanka and from Mechuka ro Jaisalmer. Always a smiling face, was full of Josh and greeted all his friends and coursemates with a big bear hug. He specialized in Air Maint on the glacier, Airborne Forward Aur Controller, VIP/ VVIP flts and logistics support. He commanded 131 FAC flt at Halwara and then at Hindon.
He was a pioneer amongst the helicopter pilots instrumental in injecting young blood in helicopter stream of IAF. He served at Jamnagar, Halwara, Hindon and Jammu. He flew Chetak, Cheetahs, Mi-4s, Mi-8s and MI-17s.
Later he went on Deputation to BSF and was absorbed in BSF He retired as DIG from BSF
He will always be remembered as a fabulous coursemate, full of Josh and the kind they don’t make any more like him. He will always walk into the bar with his war cry – Oh Rangataan, Lightaan, Cheeraan and Khushiyaan. Rest in peace our brother🌸🌺💐🌷🌻🚁🚁🙏🙏👏👏
Death is nothing at all.
You have only slipped away into the next room.
You are you, and we are we.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call him by his old familiar name,
Speak to him in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of him and if you want to, pray for him.
Let his name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should he be out of mind because he is out of sight?
He also served the BSF, as Deputy Inspector General
He is waiting for you
For an interval,
Somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
On behalf of 52nd course , NDA By……Gurvinder Singh Sobti
*Rangat, 52nd Course will always remember you…. Fly with the Angels…*
Final Passing Out Parade …..26 May 2022
