2013-01-24 09:06:32 - There are many young, talented fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF) who safeguard our nation and sacrifice their own life. Many a times their stories are unsaid, unheard or at times just ignored. One such unfortunate accident took place when Wing Commander (retd) Anil Gadgil and his wife Kavita Gadgil lost their son Flight Lieutenant Abhijit Gadgil, who was on a routine training exercise on a MiG-21 aircraft.

After the sudden demise of their beloved son, Gadgil set up Abhijit Air Safety Foundation in the year 2002, which was a platform for many; to raise voice against MIG -21 Air crashes. This week catch up with the couple who waged a relentless battle post their son’s demise, only on Great Bhet on Saturday, 26th January 2013 at 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.
Abhijit was the son of a former military pilot and was a flight lieutenant in the India Air Force. 27-year-old Gadgil was on a routine training exercise on 17th September 2001 when his flight stalled just after 33 seconds of take off from the runway near Bikaner, Rajasthan. Abhijit’s sudden death didn’t dampen the spirits of

their parents, but gave them the strength to cope up with the loss. In 2005, Abhijit’s mother along with her husband also started Jeet Aerospace Institute, a flying school, which provides proper guidance and training for many amateur youngsters. The institutes which is India’s first and only mobile flight simulator, offers several courses related to flying along with a special emphasis on air safety.
Not all have the strength to grow after a great loss, and yet some make wonders. Such is the story of the brave heart parents of Abhijit Gadgil. Tune into yet another heartwarming episode of Great Bhet on Saturday, 26th January 2013 at 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.
Missed this episode? You can catch it on Sunday, 27th January 2013 @ 12 noon and 5:00 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.