Vijay Karnik is a retired Indian Air Force Officer who has served as the Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force (IAF). He is famous for his contribution in the 1971 Indo-Pak War in mobilising women of Bhuj to the aid of the Indian Army.
Vijay Karnik was born as ‘Vijay Kumar Karnik’ on Monday, 06 Nov 1939 (age 80 years; as in 2019) in the Nagpur City of Maharashtra. His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He did his schooling from Nagpur and went to Nagpur University in Wardha to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Science.
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: White
Vijay Karnik belongs to the Maharashtrian Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (CKP) community. He was born to Srinivas Karnik (a senior government official) and Tarabai Karnik.
He has three brother’s named Vinod Karnik (Major General), Laxman (Wing Commander), and Ajay Karnik (Air Marshal) and a sister named Vasanti. He got married to Usha Karnik (proprietor at Shehnaaz Hussain Franchise) on 20 February 1965.
Vijay Karnik’s wife, Usha Karnik
He has a daughter named Shalakaa Karnik (director at We Can Do It (a theatre group)) and a son named Paresh Karnik (works at The Times Group).
Vijay Karnik with his daughter
Vijay Karnik’s son Paresh
Vijay Karnik was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 26 May 1962. He served as a Squadron Leader in Bhuj during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik
He fought in the Sino-Indian war of
1962, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, and is specifically known for his contribution in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. In 1967, he was posted to 6 Squadron at Pune. He was promoted as Wing Commander on 01 Oct 1985 and got retired from his service on 14 Oct 1986.During the Indo-Pak war of 1971, on the night of 8 December, Pakistan sent eight squadrons of Sabre jets and dropped more than 14 Napalm bombs on the Bhuj, which destroyed the Indian Air Force Airstrips. The airstrip needed repairs as the airbase had to be operational due to the ongoing war. But, the time was less, and there was a lack of workers for the restoration of the runway. Vijay Kumar Karnik (squadron leader at that time) was in charge of Bhuj Airport and decided to take
the help of the locals to rebuild the airstrip. He was able to convince around 300 women from Madhapar, Bhuj to help the Indian Army. Karnik, along with two senior officers, 50 IAF and 60 Defence Corps, ensured that the airstrip was operational despite the bombings. The airstrip was restored in just 72 hours with the collective efforts of Karnik and the 300 village women.Bhuj Women working for Indian Air Force During Indo-Pak War 1971
Vijay Karnik with his Golf Members
We were fighting a war and if there had been any casualties of any of these women, it would have been a great loss. But I took the decision and it worked out. I had briefed them where they could take shelter if attacked and they followed it bravely. Also, I could only see Ajay Devgn essaying my character and I’m glad that he’s on board.”
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vijay kumar karnik the brave indian/bhraths air fores captain
I am very privileged to study under this gentleman in 2006 in Vadodara when I was an Aspiring Pilot.