Wing Commander Namansh Syal’s Mortal Remains Brought Home; Funeral with Full Military Honours

November 23, 2025

Himachal Pradesh: The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the Tejas aircraft crash during an air show in Dubai on Friday, arrived in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. His body was flown in a special Air Force aircraft from Coimbatore to Kangra Airport.

An emotional scene unfolded at the airport as his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, received the coffin in her Air Force uniform. Their seven-year-old daughter, unaware of the tragedy, stood quietly beside her mother. Namansh’s mother, Veena Devi, broke down and had to be comforted by officials, while his father Jagannath, who had travelled from Coimbatore, also couldn’t hold back his tears.

After the formalities at Kangra Airport, the body was taken to his native village Patialakad, where Wing Commander Syal will be cremated with full military honours at Mokshadham. As he had no real brothers, his cousin will perform the last rites. He is survived by his wife and only daughter.

Family members shared that Namansh was posted in Sailur, Coimbatore, while his wife Afshan was undergoing training in Kolkata. His parents had been staying with him in Coimbatore to look after their granddaughter.

His uncle, Jogindra Syal, confirmed that the body was brought from Coimbatore to Delhi early Sunday morning and then flown to Gaggal Airport.

Leaders from the Himachal Pradesh government, including Sports and AYUSH Minister Yadavindra Goma, Nagrota Bagwan MLA Raghuveer Singh Bali, and Shahpur MLA Kewal Pathania, paid floral tributes. Senior administrative officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, along with hundreds of residents, took part in the funeral procession.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a bright cadet from the 21st batch of Sainik School Sujanpur, is being remembered for his dedication and service to the nation. A condolence meeting was held at the school in place of the morning prayer session.

Preparations for the military funeral were made by the police and administration, ensuring a dignified farewell to the brave pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice.