November 24, 2025
NEW DELHI – The village of Patialkar in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, was draped in sorrow on Sunday as the last rites of Wing Commander Namansh Syal were performed. The young fighter pilot who tragically lost his life in a Tejas aircraft crash at the Dubai Air Show on November 21, 2025 was laid to rest with full military honors.
The ceremony followed all traditional customs, including a gun salute, a procession, and the laying of wreaths. Friends, relatives, and villagers gathered to pay their respects.
Among the mourners, Wing Commander Syal’s wife, Afshan, herself an Indian Air Force officer, stood tearfully saluting her husband one final time before his mortal remains were committed to the ground.
Namansh Syal, 34, was remembered not only as a skilled officer but also as a brilliant athlete and an inspiring figure for those around him. He leaves behind his wife Afshan, their six-year-old daughter Aarya and his parents. The Indian Air Force has conveyed its deepest condolences, describing his loss as “irreparable.”
Also Read: Tejas jet crash at Dubai Air Show 2025: ‘Pilot lost control or suffered G-force blackout,’ says defence expert
Villagers and schoolmates spoke fondly of Namansh recalling his humility, dedication, and courage. Pankaj Chadha, who studied alongside him at Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, said, “We have lost one of our gems. Namansh brought pride to our school and to all of us. His memory will remain forever in Patialkar and beyond.”
Sandeep Kumar, a fellow resident of Patialkar, expressed the shared grief of the village. “He was like our younger brother,” Kumar said. “Everyone is deeply saddened. We met him just a few months ago, and now he is gone. Words cannot express how we feel.”
Earlier in the day, Namansh’s uncle, Madan Lal, shared memories of his nephew’s childhood. “He was bright, hardworking, and always stood first in school,” Lal recalled. “The whole village is mourning. His passing is a huge loss for the nation.”
The Indian Air Force confirmed that Namansh Syal’s Tejas fighter jet had crashed and caught fire during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show.