Unsung Heroes and Unyielding Ambitions: A Conversation with Wing Commander Arijit Ghosh | Global TV
By Dr. PP Devan, Chief Editor, Global TV +91 92433 01213
(A Global TV Exclusive)
In a reflective and heartfelt conversation, I had the privilege of sitting down with Wing Commander Arijit Ghosh; a distinguished Indian Air Force Veteran and the acclaimed author of Air Warriors. As an Indian civilian enjoying the fruits of growing affluence, I find it essential to recognize the sacrifices of our unsung heroes. Our dialogue criss-crossed themes of youthful dreams, rigorous military selection, sporting excellence, and the painstaking documentation of valour, reminding us all why our gratitude must flow to those who have safeguarded our present by sacrificing their yesterdays.
The Early Spark: From Cricket Dreams to Military Aspirations
Wing Commander Ghosh began his story as many young Indians do with a burning passion for cricket. Growing up in eastern India with modest means, he balanced academic pursuits with his love for the sport. Despite achieving a first-class graduation in science, his sporting ambitions nudged him away from a conventional career path.
“I was selected for junior state teams and played for the state schools team. I knew I had the potential, and joining the armed forces, which supports a robust sporting culture, was the perfect opportunity to keep my cricketing dreams alive,” he recalled.
The armed forces, with their national championships in various sports, offered the ideal platform. For Ghosh, the decision to join the Indian Air Force was not merely about a career; it was a calculated move to continue excelling at cricket while serving the nation.
The Grueling Journey to the Air Force
Ghosh’s admission into the Air Force was a result of his hard work and determination. The selection process was an arduous five-day ordeal featuring group discussions, written and psychological tests, physical challenges, and a final personal interview. Out of nearly 80 candidates, only a handful advanced to the subsequent medical examination stage.
During his medical tests, an unexpected discovery; a squint in his eyes, threatened to derail his ambitions. However, a simple corrective surgery allowed him to overcome this hurdle and ultimately secure his place in the Indian Air Force.
“I opted for the surgery purely to clear the test and continue my sporting dream. It was a complex process, but my ambition to serve and play cricket for the services was unyielding,” he explained.
After completing a year of basic training and six months of air traffic control training, Wing Commander Ghosh was posted to Air Force Station near Delhi. There, he not only served as an air traffic controller but also established himself as a key player in inter-services cricket championships; achieving milestones that remain etched in the annals of first-class cricket.
Triumphs On and Off the Field
One of the most cherished memories he shared was scoring a century in his debut season in the prestigious Ranjit Trophy; an achievement he shared with his elder brother on the same day, a rare feat in cricket history. Few world famous brothers like Chapel, Waugh, Amarnath etc. could make it. Despite these sporting triumphs, duty eventually demanded his full attention. For 25 years, he served with distinction, rising to the rank of Wing Commander before choosing to retire early.
Post-retirement, his journey took another fascinating turn. He embraced an opportunity to serve as the Chief Operating Officer at one of India’s largest residential schools on the outskirts of Bangalore. The school’s remarkable sporting facilities and an integrated academy of sporting excellence resonated deeply with him, reflecting his lifelong passion for sports and youth development.
Chronicling Valour: The Birth of Air Warriors
Even during his service, Ghosh nurtured a passion for writing; a legacy inherited from his father, a university professor. Although restrictions during his military tenure limited his public writing, retirement offered him newfound freedom. What began as personal jottings evolved into articles for renowned magazines like Outlook, mainly cantered on cricket.
By a twist of fate, a well-crafted article caught the attention of Penguin Books. This led to the opportunity to compile a book that would capture the untold stories of valour, sacrifice, and the rich tapestry of the Indian Air Force’s history; from the First World War to modern times. The result was Air Warriors, a collection of ten stirring narratives drawn from extensive conversations with veterans whose memories of major events remain remarkably vivid; even after decades.
“These stories, written in simple and accessible language, highlight moments of unsung courage. They remind us of the sacrifices made so that we might enjoy the comforts of today,” he noted, his voice tinged with both pride and melancholy.
Ghosh also entertained the exciting prospect of adapting these stories into a film or series; an idea that could bring these heroic accounts to an even wider audience.
A Call for Recognition
Beyond recounting his personal journey, Wing Commander Ghosh’s reflections took a touching turn toward the need for greater recognition and support for our armed forces. He questioned the tangible benefits returned to those who risk their lives for the nation:
“What have we truly given back to those who have sacrificed everything? It’s time we extend our gratitude beyond words; to policies that provide for the families of our defence personnel, ensuring that their children receive benefits like free seats in educational institutions.”
This call for tangible recognition resonated deeply, urging policymakers and society alike to consider the sacrifices of our security forces and to offer them the honour and support they so richly deserve.
Honouring the Legacy
Sitting across from Wing Commander Arijit Ghosh, I was not only reminded of the indomitable spirit of our armed forces but also inspired by the personal journey of a man who seamlessly merged sporting passion with service to the nation. His book, Air Warriors, stands as both a tribute and a repository of the legacy of our air warriors; a narrative that every young Indian should read to understand the true cost of our freedom.
In the words of our conversation, let us not forget:
“When you go home, tell them of us.”
This is a call to remember, honour, and strive to give back to those who have given so much.
(A Global TV Exclusive by Dr. PP Devan)
