IAF and USI Commemorate Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh with Inaugural Annual Lecture

In a collaborative effort, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United Services Institution of India (USI) conducted the inaugural Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Annual Lecture at USI, Shankar Vihar. The event, held today, featured a distinguished speaker, former Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd), who delivered the inaugural lecture.

The lecture, conceptualized by the IAF, serves as a tribute to the legendary Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC, whose remarkable contributions during the Burma Campaign in World War II and leadership in the 1965 Indo-Pak War continue to inspire. The initiative aims to honor Singh's extraordinary life story and pivotal role in the history of the Indian Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, along with members and faculty of USI, Senior Defence Officers, and Air Force personnel, attended the event. Marshal Arjan Singh, born on April 15, 1919, in Lyalpur (now Faisalabad), had a distinguished career, culminating in his appointment as the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.

During his tenure as the Chief of the Air Staff, Singh led the Air Force to a resounding victory in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, earning him the distinction of becoming the first Air Chief Marshal. Post-retirement, Singh continued to serve the nation in various capacities, including as India's Ambassador to Switzerland, High Commissioner to Kenya, Chairman of IIT Delhi, and Lt Governor of Delhi.

The lecture series, planned as an annual event, aims to inspire service personnel and citizens by showcasing Marshal Arjan Singh's dedication, vision, and leadership. The Government of India had conferred the rank of Marshal of the Air Force onto Arjan Singh in January 2002, making him the first and only 'Five Star' rank officer in the Indian Air Force. The IAF intends to carry forward this tradition annually to commemorate the legacy of this iconic leader.