Some stories stay with you long after you hear them. Not because they are dramatic or loud, but because they are honest. This is the story of Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid, Vir Chakra, a helicopter pilot who served during the 1971 Bangladesh War. It is also the story of how we at Bengaluru Prayana had the honour of hosting him for the first edition of Valiant Veterans.
This post is to bring together what he shared, what I felt, and why this initiative matters to us.
Who is Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid, Vir Chakra?
Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid served as the Flight Commander of the 110 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force during the 1971 Bangladesh War. He and his team played a significant role in the war by flying missions that supported the Indian Army’s movement deep inside East Pakistan.
During the war, his unit:
- Moved 5,000 soldiers
- Carried 760 tons of equipment
- Evacuated over 700 casualties
- Operated almost non-stop for 10 days
These numbers tell one part of the story. The other part lies in what it means to fly again and again in difficult conditions, with little rest, and with full responsibility on your shoulders.
About The River Meghna Crossing
One of the turning points of the war was the famous River Meghna Crossing. The river was wide and challenging to cross. There were no bridges that could support large troop movements at that time. So the army turned to the Air Force. It was the 110 Helicopter Unit that answered that call.
Sqn Ldr Vaid and his team flew mission after mission to move troops across the river. The helicopters did not stop. Day and night, they flew soldiers, supplies, and essential equipment from one side to the other.
This operation helped the Indian forces advance rapidly. It changed the pace of the war. It brought the end closer.
Hearing him explain this in his plain and steady way made me realise how much happens behind every victory and how many lives depend on each decision taken in those moments.
The Lone Night Mission
One story stood out for all of us at the event. This was the mission for which Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid received the Vir Chakra.
On the night of 8 December 1971, he flew alone into an area under heavy enemy fire. The mission was to deliver personnel and essential supplies that were needed urgently. There was no room for delay. There was no backup. He flew in complete darkness with only basic navigation support.
He landed.
He completed the task.
He returned.
All while under fire.
He narrated it in a calm and quiet tone. There was no show of pride. No attempt to make it dramatic. Just the truth of what happened and why he had to do it. That simplicity made the story even more powerful.
Hosting Him at Valiant Veterans
At Bengaluru Prayana, we offer numerous experiences that explore the city’s heritage and stories. But Valiant Veterans is something different. It is a space for veterans to share their experiences in their own words.
No filters or interruptions.
No attempt to decorate their stories.
Just a room, a speaker, and an audience willing to listen.
When we invited Sqn Ldr Vaid for the first edition, we had no idea what to expect. Would people come? Would they connect with the session? Would the format work? But the room filled up quickly. People arrived early. The crowd was attentive, respectful, and deeply interested. Many stayed back long after the session ended.
The event took place at Higginbothams on MG Road in Bangalore. The old bookstore atmosphere made it feel even more special. A simple space with chairs, warm lights, and shelves full of history. It felt like the right place for this kind of conversation.
What the Evening Felt Like
There were moments during the talk when the entire room was silent. Not because the story was heavy, but because it was real.
He spoke about:
- Flying with minimal rest
- Trusting his team
- Making decisions in seconds
- The weight of responsibility
- The people who stood with him during the war
- The small details that only those who were there would know
There was no exaggeration. No big statements. Just clarity. This clarity prompted everyone to reflect on what courage truly is. For many in the audience, it was the first time they had heard a story from a veteran directly. You could see the respect, attention, and emotion on their faces.
When the session ended, people approached him to express their gratitude. Some asked questions. Some simply wanted to hear one more detail. And some stood there quietly, taking it all in.
It was an evening I will not forget.
What the Audience Felt
The audience response to the first edition of Valiant Veterans was strong and sincere. Many people shared that this was the first time they had heard a story directly from a veteran. They spoke about how simple and honest the session felt. There was a quiet respect in the room, and people listened with full attention.
Several attendees said the story made them reflect on their own ideas of courage and responsibility. Some said they had only read about the 1971 war in textbooks, and hearing it from someone who lived those moments gave them a different understanding. Many appreciated the format because it allowed the veteran to speak openly without any interruptions or pressure.
It was clear that the session created a personal connection for many. People stayed back after the talk, asked questions, and expressed gratitude to Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid.
What the Media Felt
The media response was positive and thoughtful. Journalists who attended appreciated the simplicity of the event and the clarity of the storytelling. They shared that this kind of initiative is rare and much needed in the city. Most of them said that hearing direct experiences from the Indian Armed Forces adds value to the cultural landscape of Bengaluru.
Some media members noted that the event format was grounded and respectful, with a focus on the story and not the stage. They liked that the veteran’s voice was at the centre of the session. Several publications covered the event and have also expressed interest in covering future editions, noting that these conversations help bring important perspectives into public discourse.
Overall, the media saw Valiant Veterans as a meaningful effort that highlights real experiences and deserves ongoing support.
Why Valiant Veterans Matters to Us
Valiant Veterans is a long-term commitment for us. Our goal is simple: to bring stories from the Indian Armed Forces into public spaces. Stories that often remain within the services and that deserve to be heard by the next generation. Stories that help us understand what service and responsibility mean.
We plan to host one edition every month. Each session will focus on one veteran and one story.
Different units.
Different roles.
Different moments from our military history.
These talks will become a growing archive of real experiences shared in person.
What’s Next
After the success of Edition 1, we are now preparing for the next few months. We will bring veterans from the Indian Armed Forces.
We will also explore themes like:
- Life in Siachen
- Stories from the Kargil conflict
- Humanitarian missions
- UN peacekeeping
- Flying stories from different eras
- Experiences from border posts
- And many others.
Our aim is not to create a show. It is to create a space. A space where people listen. A space where veterans speak freely. And a space where stories are respected.
Gratitude
We want to thank Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid, Vir Chakra, for his time and trust. It takes openness to share personal memories with a room full of strangers. It is not easy to revisit those days. We are grateful he chose to do that with us.
We would also like to thank everyone who attended the event, supported us, and helped bring this idea to life. The volunteers, the photographers, Higginbothams, and our core team, every person made a difference.
Closing Notes
Some stories need to be protected. Some need to be written. And some need to be heard. Valiant Veterans is our way of making sure these stories are not lost.
Sqn Ldr Pushp Vaid’s story set the tone for this entire series. His clarity, presence, and humility reminded us why these moments matter. We are grateful we could host him. And we look forward to bringing many more such voices to Bengaluru.
