
Varun Sahni
157 posts

Varun Sahni
@ProfVarunSahni
Latin Americanist by training, nearly three decades teaching International Relations, and now obsessed with the interface of society, technology and education.















It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of Air Marshal Ripu Daman Sahni (Retd.), who left us this morning at the age of 96. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1950 with the 51/52 Pilot Course, he began his illustrious career in the transport stream, serving initially with No. 12 Squadron—later becoming its Commodore Commandant. A distinguished test pilot, he underwent the prestigious 19th Test Pilot Course at the Empire Test Pilots' School, UK, in 1960. Upon his return, he played a pivotal role in Indian aviation, serving with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and leading India's flight testing efforts. As HAL's Chief Test Pilot, he was instrumental in the development and prototype testing of the HF-24 Marut and the HJT-16 Kiran, as well as production testing of the first indigenously built HS-748. His discerning technical expertise helped establish the HS-748 as a reliable public transport aircraft. Air Marshal Sahni served as the Commandant of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) from 1974 to 1977 and accumulated an impressive 6,225 flying hours on over 50 types of aircraft, including 1,500 hours of rigorous test flying over his career. His leadership extended beyond testing, with key appointments as Station Commander of 28 Wing (Hindon), Director of Plans and Projects at Air Headquarters, SDS (Air) at the National Defence College, Air officer-In charge-Personnel at Air HQ, SASO of Central Air Command, and finally as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of Central Air Command. For his exceptional service, he was honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). He was likely the oldest surviving IAF officer at the time of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace, and may his remarkable legacy inspire generations to come. #IAFHistory







@BahadurManmohan @rashtrapatibhvn Here's my father receiving three medals from three different presidents... No acknowledgement of the camera by either.


The world order is undergoing a tectonic shift. Is India ready to lead? Let us rediscover International Relations from India’s perspective at #IRC2023 Register here: ssispune.edu.in/conference/ind… @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @symbiosistweets #India #AcademicTwitter #IndiasStrategicCulture







Con mi amigo Laurence Whitehead, @NuffieldCollege, @UniofOxford, gran teorico d las transicione democraticas, en #BuenosAires , Congreso Mundial d Ciencia Politica, #IPSA2023 . Hoy modero mesa sobre #NoAlineamientoActivo ! 17:30, Aula Magna Cardenal Pirono. @DianaTussie





Niña con su abuelita en un kayak. La señora en sari, lista para intentar cosas nuevas. La nueva India.








