Air Marshal Bawa was known not just for his military prowess but also for his vibrant personality. A man of tenacity and zest for life, he had a profound love for poetry and was an avid golfer. He was particularly passionate about accurately representing the role of the Indian Air Force in the Battle of Longewala, striving to correct the narratives that he felt were misrepresented in the popular film “
Air Marshal Mohinder Singh Bawa PVSM, AVSM, VM, affectionately known as “Tiger” or “Minhi,” passed away at 92. Renowned for his remarkable leadership as the station commander of Jaisalmer during the Indian Air Force’s engagement in the 1971 War, Bawa’s strategic insight led to an unprecedented tank defeat that has been etched in military history. Born in 1932, Air Marshal Mohinder Singh Bawa embarked on a distinguished journey with the Indian Air Force, receiving his commission as a fighter pilot in April 1953. He was a prominent member of the illustrious 60th Pilot course.
In early 1958 MS Bawa regained his good medical clearance for fighter flying. This led to his posting to 20 Squadron, where he piloted the recently acquired Hunter aircraft. During his tenure with the squadron until early 1961, Bawa distinguished himself briefly serving as the flight commander. Bawa’s passion for aviation soon steered him towards instructional flying. After completing the Flying Instructors’ School (FIS) course in the first half of 1961, he dedicated the next five years to shaping the next generation of pilots. He served with distinction at the Air Force Flying College in Jodhpur for nearly four years before assuming command of the No. 6 Elementary Flying Training Unit (EFTU) in Patiala, where his expertise and leadership further enhanced the training program’s reputation.
March1966 marked Bawa’ s return to the adrenaline-filled world of fighter flying when he was appointed Flight Commander of the 17 Squadron, operating Hunters in the strategic eastern sectors of Jorhat and Hashimara. His journey took another remarkable turn in March 1968 when he was tasked with a formidable challenge: establishing the No. 26 Squadron at Adampur and introducing the Sukhoi-7, a new addition to the Indian Air Force’s arsenal. As Commanding Officer, Bawa was instrumental in moulding the squadron into a formidable type training unit for the IAF’s latest fighter-bomber fleet. Under his leadership, the squadron achieved remarkable success, earning him widespread respect and admiration. Recognising his outstanding leadership and contribution to this challenging assignment, Bawa was honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal. Farewell
In November 1970, Minhi embarked on a new career chapter at Jamnagar, taking the helm as Chief Instructor of the Indian Air Force’s Armament Training Wing (ATW).
Elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshall . Bawa continued to influence the next generation of military leaders of the chief instructor ( Air) at the defence services staff client college in 1985. In March 1988 his illustratious carrrer reached another pinnacle when he was promoted to Air Marshall and assumed the position of Air Force commanding in chief of the central Air Command based in Allahabad
He retired from this post in 1990.
Such a decorated officer who was always full of life and was the ‘ jaan’ of every party . Always impeccably dressed he was famous for his colourful turbans which he used to wear according to the occasion. Witty and jovial, a romantic at heart, extremely courteous the ladies, a very warm host who would look after his guests with love and attention and was forever ready to sing an Urdu couplet which would recite according to the occasion.
The Safdarjung community and AAN is going to miss you Air Marshall Bawa. We are proud to be your neighbours and shall always remember you with pride. Rest in peace brave our. Rock Star’
Team Samvada pays its heartfelt condelences to the entire ‘Bawa’ family.
