Nagpurian IAF officer providing 'Rahat' to pilgrims in Uttarakhand

The Hitavada CityLine; June 27, 2013

Nagpurian providing ‘Rahat’

to pilgrims in Uttarakhand

By Kartik Lokhande

Relief is not about getting something. It is more about giving, extending a helping hand to those in trouble. This is exactly what a Nagpurian is doing in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand. Braving all odds including the inclement weather and inadequate support systems, Wing Commander Ravi C Pathak is heading a detachment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) engaged in ‘Operation Rahat’ to rescue people trapped and stranded at various places in the devastated region.
Wg Cdr Ravi Pathak, who is Commanding Officer of Sarang helicopter display team based in Coimbatore, was in Hyderabad for a display on June 17. The same night, he got a call to move to Uttarakhand to execute ‘Operation Rahat’ launched to rescue and provide relief to people trapped in slush-covered areas near Kedarnath and other areas. Responding swiftly to call of duty, he and his team reached the designated spot by the afternoon of June 18. All of them were supposed to reach homes within four days after the display at Hyderabad, but the call of duty saw them embarking on a new -- and very difficult -- journey.
“It has been a very eventful journey, I would say. We are trying to save lives, which itself is a great source of satisfaction,” Wg Cdr Ravi Pathak told ‘The Hitavada’ from Gauchar over telephone.
Gauchar Airfield is currently the main place of relief operations. Every day, 12-18 aircraft are operating from there. In all, 30 pilots are working and close to 8,200 technical staff of the IAF is supporting the operation, which is being controlled overall from Dehradun. Currently, four different variants of aircraft namely MI-17, Cheetah, Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-I and Mk-III are operating from Gauchar.
Wg Cdr Pathak is shouldering a big responsibility of operating four different variants in a single detachment. Such times test leadership qualities apart from professional finesse. ‘Operation Rahat’ from Gauchar involves open field operations. Telephone and ground support is not strong enough as the local administration itself is combating odds. Inadequate meteorological support and inclement weather make the matters difficult. Flying aircraft with out-stretched rotor blades in hilly areas itself is a challenging task, with fear lurking in mind about the blades hitting the hillsides. Monsoon increases the risk all the more, compounded by the psychological factor of disaster situation. In fact, a couple of days back, an IAF helicopter crashed due to bad weather near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand.
Ask about these difficulties and a determined Wg Cdr Pathak says, “On one hand, you feel elated with every life saved. On the other, sadness engulfs mind over losing our colleagues. But, we are undeterred because I am here to save lives of fellow countrymen.” The man, who is heading probably the biggest aviation rescue operations in such difficult conditions in the world, is committed to his task. Even while sparing a few minutes around 10.50 pm on Wednesday to talk over telephone, Wg Cdr Pathak was co-ordinating with his team-members. He asked one of his men to come at 6 am. “I am also not sleeping dear. We have to continue with work. We all are working in such times and for long hours,” he told the man.
Born and brought up in Nagpur, Wg Cdr Pathak’s father Dr Chandrashekhar practiced medicine for some time in the city. Later on, he shifted to Wardha to work in Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College. Ravi’s mother Dr Mrunalini worked at Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur. Ravi did his schooling at Somalwar High School. Later on, he studied at Hislop College and Shivaji Science College.
Now, Wg Cdr Ravi Pathak resides in Nagpur. “Both of my parents are no more. I have no brother, no sister. That way, I belong nowhere, but, my heart is still in Nagpur,” he added in a firm voice during the brief conversation.
Wg Cdr Ravi Pathak is a decorated officer of the IAF. He was decorated with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for displaying a keen sense of responsibility, professionalism, and courage during his tenure as Flight Lieutenant. He is a Test Pilot, and a Qualified Flying Instructor with high professional skills.