Exclusive Air Force Day Interview with Gurmeet Singh Sethi, Ex-Serviceman, Indian Air Force
For some, military service is a profession. For others, it becomes a way of life. For Gurmeet Singh Sethi, who joined the Indian Air Force in 1965 and served for 26 years, the uniform became a journey shaped by discipline, athletics, war, family, international service and an enduring commitment to the nation.
Joining the IAF as an Airman in the Administrative Branch after completing his matriculation, Sethi went on to serve at several Air Force stations, support operations during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, spend four years on deputation at the Embassy of India in Moscow and eventually make Jodhpur his home. A distinguished athlete, he won five consecutive Air Force Championships in the 26-mile 385-yard marathon.
On Air Force Day, Sethi looks back at his years in uniform, the values that shaped him and the remarkable transformation of the Indian Air Force over the decades.
Q. You joined the Indian Air Force in 1965. What inspired you to choose the Air Force, and what do you remember about the beginning of your journey?
My journey into the Indian Air Force was driven by a love for sports and a deep ambition to serve the nation. On January 25, 1965, after completing my matriculation and clearing the selection board in Patna, Bihar, I was recruited as an Airman in the Administrative Branch.
My training began at the Air Force Ground Training School in Belgaum, Mysore. For the first three months, we lived in basic tents before moving into billets for the remaining nine months. Our daily schedule was demanding, beginning at 0500 hours and continuing until 2000 hours. It included an early morning health run, drill parades, educational classes, evening physical training and self-study.
After a rigorous year of training, I passed out and received my first posting at Air Force Station Vayu Bhawan in New Delhi.
Q. Athletics became an important part of your life in the Air Force. Tell us about that journey.
Athletics remained a defining part of my identity throughout my service. I won five consecutive Air Force Championships in the 26-mile 385-yard marathon. I also represented the service at inter-state meets, national competitions and various institute games, winning numerous awards.
Sports taught me endurance, discipline and the importance of continuous self-improvement. These were qualities that complemented my life in the Air Force and remained with me throughout my career.
Q. You served during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. What was that experience like?
Following the Indo-China war, the Indian Defence Forces underwent rapid modernisation, including improvements in radar systems, communications, fighter aircraft and weaponry.
When the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict began, I was posted to an Air Force unit attached to the Army Corps in the Firozpur sector of Punjab. Our responsibility was to provide vital support to the troops fighting at the border. We remained involved from the beginning of the war on December 3 until the ceasefire on December 16, 1971.
It was an experience that reinforced the importance of discipline and teamwork. In such circumstances, maintaining morale, remaining calm and performing one’s responsibility becomes extremely important.
Q. Is there a particular incident or period from your service that remains especially vivid in your memory?
The entire period of the 1971 war remains deeply etched in my memory. Being part of a unit supporting troops at the border gave me a firsthand understanding of how discipline and teamwork become the backbone of military service during difficult circumstances.
Another particularly memorable chapter was my posting to Air Force Station Utarlai in the Barmer sector. What was initially supposed to be a two-year tenure became five fulfilling years with my family. Despite being classified as a hard living area, Utarlai became one of my best postings.
I actively encouraged sports, picnics, melas and entertainment among the personnel. I received the best assessment ratings continuously during all five years, from 1979 to 1983.
Q. Beyond your official duties, what values did the Air Force teach you that continue to guide your life?
The Air Force taught me discipline, time management, job performance, composure under pressure and the importance of working for self-improvement.
Three principles have remained particularly meaningful to me: to focus on improving oneself rather than interfering in others’ affairs, to think about what one can contribute to the nation, and to remember that action is one’s duty while reward is not.
Service life also taught me the importance of camaraderie and maintaining morale. I participated in and organised dances, singing programmes, variety programmes, Air Force Melas, games and picnics. These activities helped us remain connected and kept the stress and tiredness of service life at bay.
Q. Your career also took you beyond India. How did your deputation to Moscow come about, and what did that experience mean to you?
After my posting at Air Force Station Agra, I received an opportunity from Air Headquarters for a foreign deputation. I was shortlisted for an interview and subsequently selected by the Ministry of External Affairs for specific duties at the Embassy of India in Moscow.
My family and I moved to Russia on May 25, 1984. We spent four memorable years there before returning to India and being posted to Air Force Station Jodhpur. Eventually, Jodhpur became our home.
The Moscow posting was an important chapter of my life. It gave me the opportunity to experience another country and culture while continuing to serve in a different capacity.
Q. You left the Air Force after 26 years and then built a second career in the corporate sector. How did your military experience help you in civilian life?
After 26 successful years in uniform, and with good health and energy, I took premature retirement at the age of 45 to begin a second career.
I entered the corporate sector in sales, working with two-wheeler and four-wheeler businesses. I carried the same discipline, determination and target-oriented approach from my military career into the corporate world. I consistently achieved my targets, won corporate championships and eventually rose to the position of Chief Learning Officer.
I finally retired from the corporate sector at the age of 74 during the COVID period. Looking back, I feel fortunate to have had such a diverse and fulfilling journey.
Q. You have remained active even after retirement. What does life look like for you today?
I still try to live like an athlete. I maintain a health-conscious lifestyle through daily walks, exercise and yoga. I enjoy spending time with my family and maintaining strong relationships with relatives, friends and neighbours.
For me, staying active and continuing to learn and grow has always been important. The discipline I developed during my years in the Air Force continues to influence my daily life.
Q. The Indian Air Force has transformed significantly since you joined in 1965. How do you view the Air Force of today?
The progress of the Indian Air Force fills me with immense pride. During my service, we witnessed significant developments in radar systems, communications, aircraft and weaponry. Today, the scale of technological advancement is remarkable.
I am particularly encouraged by India’s growing independence in new technologies and innovations, along with advancements in medical facilities and veteran welfare schemes such as the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
Despite all these changes, I believe the morale and spirit of the Indian Air Force remain as strong as ever.
Q. What does Air Force Day mean to you personally?
Every Air Force Day brings a deeply glorious feeling. When we look at the medals mounted on our uniforms, we are reminded of the awards, commendations, promotions and years of dedication behind them.
For a veteran, these memories are not simply about medals or achievements. They represent years of discipline, integrity, responsibility and service to the nation.
I feel immense pride in having been a part of the Indian Air Force. It remains, for me, one of the finest and most righteous paths through which a person can serve the nation with passion.
Jai Hind!