In Raipur, the Indian Air Force and the nation at large mourn the loss of Wing Commander M B Ojha (retd), who passed away at the age of 89 on Sunday. A distinguished veteran of the 1971 War, Ojha was part of the iconic moment captured in an unforgettable photograph depicting the surrender of the Pakistani army in Bangladesh—a pivotal event in the history of India.
Wing Commander Ojha’s remarkable military career began with his commissioning into the IAF in 1956. He served with distinction in both the 1965 and 1971 wars, and played crucial roles in various Indian peacekeeping missions. His involvement in the 1971 conflict was particularly historic; on December 16 of that year, he was present when 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to Indian forces. This monumental event was overseen by Lt General Jagjit Singh Arora, as immortalized in a famous photograph where Ojha is seen standing behind Air Marshal Hari Chand Dewan and Lt Gen Sagat Singh, closely observing as Pakistan’s General AAK Niazi signed the instrument of surrender.
The passing of Wing Commander Ojha has prompted an outpouring of tributes from prominent figures in Chhattisgarh. At his cremation held at Mahadev Crematorium on Monday at 11:30 a.m., Chhattisgarh’s Governor Ramen Deka expressed his respect, stating, “Salute to a brave soldier who dedicated his all to protect Mother India.” Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai echoed these sentiments, honoring Ojha as a “brave warrior of the nation.”
As the nation reflects on the legacy of Wing Commander M B Ojha, his contributions to India’s security and his embodiment of courage and service will not be forgotten. His presence during a historic moment of triumph and his lifelong dedication to the Air Force remain etched in the annals of India’s military history.
