Aerospace Diary

Neelam Mathews Aug 14, 2014   Recently, while visiting the head office of a US publication I write for regularly, I was surprised to hear myself as was my editor, to hear me wax eloquent on the new government and its plans and how we as Indians finally saw hope on the horizon. For a person reporting deals and scams for the past few years, this was a transformation, and the editors eagerly offered me numerous assignments. Digging a bit deeper for my stories, I sadly found the same bureaucratic mindset and stubbornness to change and a ministry making unofficial leaks, ensuring journos hear their point of view alone. Twitter and a news agency is now the government’s mouthpiece and they do not reply to queries! Dear lord- this administrative inertia is what I had not voted for! I had voted for a promised change in policies to push India ahead, a fresh mindset and a freedom of expression- within limits of course. All this was reinforced after I read a story on Rol...

Posted by- Neelam Mathews Dec 1, 2012 Credit- IAF Air Marshal Ravi Kant Sharma has taken over command of the Shillong- based Eastern Air Command, today. He was formerly the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff( DCAS), at the Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), New Delhi and has handed over the charge to  Air Marshal S Sukumar before assuming the new appointment.  An alumnus of National Defence Academy,  Khadakwasla , he was commissioned into the Fighters’ stream of the IAF in June 1975. A Qualified Flying Instructor, he is an Experimental Test pilot and has flown around 3300 hrs, on several different types of aircraft including the LCA.

Posted by- Neelam Mathews August 30, 2012 A t the entrance of the Dining Hall of the National Defense Academy at Khadakwasla, there is a table set for one, with the chair tilted forward. This table is set for the Armed Forces Personnel who are Prisoners of War and forgotten, in the hope that they will return one day. There are still 54 POWs missing in Pakistan captured alive including CO of 47 Sqn, Wg Cdr "High Speed" Gill. It is unlikely that they are still alive, we are told. The government should look into this ASAP.   The Placard on the table reads: “ The table set is small, for one, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors. The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep their faith awaiting their return. The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to th...