As one of the key architects of the air operations of Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal AK Bharti was instrumental in planning, coordination and execution of the strikes on the terror launchpads in PoK and Pakistan
Who is Air Marshal AK Bharti? Air Marshal Awadesh Kumar Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations, shot to limelight after he addressed the media alongside DGMO Lt. General Rajeev Ghai and DG Naval Operations Vice Admiral AN Pramod, detailing about the Indian strikes on Pakistan after the US-brokered ceasefire was announced.
Air Marshal Bharti played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor. He also deftly handled questions during the media interaction after the two nations agreed to stop hostilities with Pakistan, hit hard by India’s response in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam killings, extending the olive branch first after facing multiple setbacks.
As the entire nation applauds Air Marshal Bharti’s bravery and expertise, his parents said they are proud of his son and what he has achieved after rising from a very humble background.
Air Marshal AK Bharti’s father Jeevachhlal Yadav (85), who retired as a clerk from the Bihar Irrigation Department, said they were neither unaware of his involvement in Operation Sindoor nor that he would appear on TV to brief the media and the country about the strikes.
“He did not tell me anything when he called up and spoke to me last week. He could have at least told me that he would be on TV. I would have watched the programme from the beginning,” “He did not tell me anything when he called up and spoke to me last week. He could have at least told me that he would be on TV. I would have watched the programme from the beginning,” Yadav told Hindustan Times.
The HT report further stated that the proud father has since been glued to their TV set, not wanting to miss the opportunity of watching his brave son speak again.
“He was simple as a child and continues to be the same way even now. He always said he wanted to join the armed forces, even when he was a child, and he achieved that,” Urmila Devi, the 80-year-old mother of Air Marshal Bharti told NDTV.
The NDTV report also mentioned that Air Marshal Bharati remains a down-to-earth person with no airs despite the high position he holds.
And whenever he comes to their village, the top defence commander would meet the local people, the report added.
“Like his parents, he has no airs, and this has been passed on to his children as well. He meets, greets and interacts with everyone and, despite being a senior officer, does not have any security personnel with him. He touches the feet of elders in the village even now and you will not find anyone in the village who will have a bad thing to say about him. His parents are also very simple and that is the reason they are still living in a thatched house,” the NDTV report quoted a resident of the village named Anil Sharma as saying.
Media reports further stated that Air Marshal Bharti keeps in regular touch with his two younger brothers — one of them a medical practitioner in Purnia and another working in a pharmaceutical firm — but never discusses work-related matters.
Who is Air Marshal AK Bharti?
Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti is a senior officer in the Indian Air Force, and presently serving as the Director General of Air Operations.
He played a key role in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor launched by India on the intervening night of May 6 and 7 to eliminate terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan and avenge the 26 lives lost in the dastardly Pahalgam killings.
Born in Purnia district in Bihar, Air Marshal Bharti’s early education was at Sainik School Tilaiya, now in neighbouring Jharkhand.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, he was commissioned as a fighter pilot on June 13, 1987.
He has held various key positions, including Commanding Officer of No. 30 Squadron and Senior Staff Officer in the Central Air Command.
His exemplary service has been recognized with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal.
Air Marshal Bharti’s strategic acumen and leadership during Operation Sindoor have solidified his reputation as a key figure in India’s defense establishment.
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