President of India Condoles the Passing Away of Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra, former Chief of Air Staff.

In his condolence message to his son,Shri Suneel Mehra, the President has said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of your father, Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra, former Chief of Air Staff.

Air Chief Marshal Mehra led the Indian Air Force with distinction for more than three decades. He had many firsts to his credit. During his service in the Air Force he flew a very wide variety of aircrafts including Tiger Moth and finally the Jaguar (in UK) and the MiG-21. Air Chief Mehra implemented several reforms and rules that saw improvement in fight safety across the IAF. He was not just a brave air warrior but also served the nation as Governor of Maharashtra (1980) and Governor of Rajasthan (1982).

For his outstanding services to the nation and the Indian Air Force, he was honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 1968. Air Chief Marshal Mehra was honoured by the nation with a Padma Vibhushan in 1977 for his service to the Indian Force. His services to the nation will be always remembered.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of your family, the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.

This release issued at 1200 hrs.