Manu Rajagopal

Biography

Squadron Leader Manu Rajagopal hailed from Udayanapuram in Vaikom taluk of Kottayam district in Kerala. From childhood he nurtured a strong desire to serve in the armed forces and steadfastly pursued that dream. He eventually joined the Indian Air Force and was commissioned on 15 December 2006. Trained as a helicopter pilot, he passed out as part of the 178th Pilots' Course, and after completing his flying training he served with various frontline helicopter units of the IAF. By 2014 he had risen to the rank of Squadron Leader and had accumulated substantial operational flying experience. In 2014, Sqn Ldr Rajagopal was serving with 111 Helicopter Unit, the "Snow Tigers," based at Air Force Station Bareilly. The unit, which had come into being on 1 August 1963, had a proud history of casualty evacuation and transport support. On 25 July 2014, the unit was tasked with an operational mission from Bareilly to Allahabad. Serving as co-pilot of an ALH (Dhruv) helicopter alongside his captain, Wing Commander TNB Singh, he got airborne at 1553 hrs from Air Force Station Bareilly. On the way, the helicopter developed technical problems and issued a "May Day" call for help before losing contact with Air Traffic Control. Displaying commendable presence of mind, Sqn Ldr Rajagopal and his captain steered the stricken aircraft away from the thickly populated area around Sitapur. The helicopter crashed near Ataria, about 70 km from Lucknow, at around 5 PM, with no survivors among the aircrew. A brave air warrior and committed officer, Squadron Leader Manu Rajagopal laid down his life in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.