His journey from Karimnagar to the cockpits of the country’s fastest machines, has been possible by single-minded dedication for joining the armed forces. And the young man, Koushik Kundarapu, was the cynosure of all eyes not just for being the topper, but for also being a Telugu.
Koushik received the Chief of Air Staff Sword and President’s Plaque for topping the flying course. Ever since he was 10, Koushik dreamt of life as a pilot. On Saturday, his dreams took off in a grand way as he graduated from the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, with flying honours. At the top of his class, he is on his way to flying the Indian Air Force’s fighter planes. “I joined Sainik school when I was 10. Ever since I have been away from home. I will always be away from home and my family, but what I have achieved is worth it,” he said. A small fraction of a graduating class goes on to join the pride of IAF, the squadrons of fighter jets. “I will have to train more before I can be called a fighter pilot. From here, I will be heading to Bidar,” the flying officer who recently turned 21, said. After high school, Koushik entered the National Defence Academy where he trained with other cadets before completing his training at Dundigal.
Uttam appreciates
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, appreciated Koushik for his achievement. In a congratulatory message, Mr. Reddy, who himself was a fighter pilot with the Indian Air Force, said it was great to learn about a Telangana boy topping the course and taking the prestigious Chief of Air Staff Sword. “I am reminded of my own course days and the service period,” he said.