Discover the inspiring life story of Wing Commander Vijay Karnik, a retired Indian Air Force officer renowned for his extraordinary contributions during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. His leadership and innovative strategies made a significant impact on the outcome of the conflict.

Wiki/Biography

Born Vijay Kumar Karnik on Monday, November 6th, 1939, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Vijay Karnik celebrated his 80th birthday in 2019. His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He completed his schooling in Nagpur and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Nagpur University in Wardha.

Physical Appearance

• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: White

Family, Caste & Wife

Vijay Karnik hails from the Maharashtrian Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (CKP) community. His parents were Srinivas Karnik (a senior government official) and Tarabai Karnik. He married Usha Karnik (proprietor of a Shehnaaz Hussain Franchise) on February 20th, 1965.

He has three brothers: Vinod Karnik (Major General), Laxman Karnik (Wing Commander), and Ajay Karnik (Air Marshal), and a sister named Vasanti. His daughter, Shalakaa Karnik, is a director at a theatre group, and his son, Paresh Karnik, works at The Times Group.

Career

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on May 26th, 1962, Vijay Karnik served as a Squadron Leader in Bhuj during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. His military career spanned several significant conflicts.

His distinguished service included participation in the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. He was promoted to Wing Commander on October 1st, 1985, and retired on October 14th, 1986. He served in 6 Squadron in Pune from 1967.

The Pearl Harbour Moment of India

During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, on December 8th, Pakistan launched a devastating air raid on Bhuj, damaging the Indian Air Force airstrip. With the airstrip crucial for ongoing operations and time severely limited, Wing Commander Karnik took the initiative to enlist local help.

He successfully mobilized approximately 300 women from Madhapar, Bhuj, to assist in the repair work. Working alongside two senior officers, 50 IAF personnel, and 60 Defence Corps members, they remarkably restored the airstrip in just 72 hours. This remarkable feat showcases Karnik’s exceptional leadership and the incredible spirit of the women of Bhuj.

Facts

• Enjoys gardening and traveling.
• Avid golfer, believing it to be an ancient Indian game.
• Admired Maharaja Ganga Singh, the King of Bikaner.
• Supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a follower of Narendra Modi.

Ajay Devgn portrayed Vijay Karnik in the film “Bhuj: The Pride of India,” which highlighted the contributions of the 300 women and Karnik’s role in the 1971 war. Karnik expressed his satisfaction with Devgn’s portrayal.