RAF’s first Sikh pilot since WW2 fulfils dream of grandpa he never saw | Chandigarh News
Ludhiana: A little boy who could barely toddle when he announced ‘Main jahaj udana’ (I’ll fly a plane) is now the first Sikh to become a pilot with the Royal Air Force since World War-II.RAF Flight Lieutenant Arshdeep Singh Dang has fulfilled a dream that his grandfather saw for his father.Arshdeep was born in Chandigarh and his family has roots in Ludhiana and Patiala. His parents Jagdeep Singh Dang and Gagandeep Kaur moved to Britain when he was six.Arshdeep’s Ludhiana-based cousin Gauravdeep told TOI that both their families went through hard times and it was this hardship that steeled his resolve.Arshdeep’s grandfather Santokh Singh Dang had moved to Bareilly to start a business but was killed during a robbery at his home in 1982, Gauravdeep. This tragedy hit the family hard, and placed responsibilities on the next generation at a young age.“It was the dream of our grandfather to see one of his sons become a pilot but due to the early struggles our family faced, it couldn’t be fulfilled. The dream, however, remained alive through uncle (Jagdeep),” said Gauravdeep.“So, even as a little child, Arshdeep used to say he would become a pilot,” Gauravdeep recalled. The passion grew only more intense in his teenage years.On Aug 14, when an RAF Air Vice-Marshal pinned the wings on Arshdeep’s uniform, it was a dream of generations that came true. His flight from Punjab / Chandigarh to the cockpit soared against the backdrop of migration, financial constraints and a strong determination within the family to preserve its Sikh and Punjabi identity.Arshdeep was brilliant academically, he told TOI. “He was a topper all through, and had a particular fascination for numbers. He went on to study mathematics and philosophy at the University of Bristol,” he said.But the ambition to fly had never ebbed. He began his military journey in 2022 and passed several gruelling stages to graduate from RAF’s Flying Training School in Anglesey, Wales.Despite growing up in Britain, he has remained closely connected with his relatives, Punjab and his Sikh heritage, says Gauravdeep. “There is a strict rule at home that we speak Punjabi with each other. No other language is allowed. Arshdeep never speaks in English with me,” said Gauravdeep.The family has also maintained its connection with Sikh religious traditions, regularly visiting the gurdwara and participating in community practices such as langar and sewa. “Arshdeep attributes his success to his mother because she anchored him to Sikh roots, and that he represents Sikhi and Punjab,” he said. “We are all very proud of what he has achieved.”
