Corporal Varun Kumar of the Indian Air Force, who lost his right arm during Operation Sindoor, has been honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
His left-handed salute during the Air Force’s 93rd anniversary at Hindan Air Base on October 8, 2025, moved millions, becoming a national emblem of resilience. Hailing from Kerala’s Alappuzha district, his story of recovery and devotion has deeply resonated across India, reflecting the courage and compassion embedded in the Armed Forces.
Saluting with Strength, Not Limbs
At the 93rd Air Force Day celebration, a single moment encapsulated the spirit of service, Corporal Varun Kumar, standing tall in uniform, saluted Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh with his left hand. The gesture was not regulation, but deeply symbolic: it honoured sacrifice, perseverance, and patriotism.
Witnesses at Air Force Station Hindan recall the poignant silence that followed, briefly interrupted by applause and tears from his peers.
From Udhampur to Hindan: A Journey of Grit
Born in Punnapra, Alappuzha, Varun joined the Indian Air Force in 2013 as a Medical Assistant, tasked with providing frontline medical support. In May 2025, Operation Sindoor, a high-risk mission launched amid heightened cross-border tensions, placed him at the Station Medicare Centre in Udhampur. On May 10, a Pakistani missile attack struck a forward facility, killing Sergeant Surendra Kumar Mog and grievously injuring Varun.
Shrapnel and trauma to his arm necessitated immediate amputation. After 35 days in intensive care at the Command Hospital, Udhampur, he was transferred to the Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) in Pune. There, Varun’s recovery became a morale booster for fellow soldiers. He retrained his left hand to write, eat, and eventually, salute. Before Independence Day, he received a prosthetic arm but continues to train for a bionic prosthesis.
A Symbol of Resilience and Hope
When President Murmu announced the Vayu Sena Medal on Varun, it was not just recognising personal bravery, but human endurance itself. Officials noted that he may be among the first Corporals (Non-Commissioned Officers) to receive this honour, a milestone reflecting his exceptional gallantry. His peers often refer to him as “a medic who healed others and then healed himself.”
Beyond the ceremony, Corporal Varun’s story has inspired digital tributes and viral videos across defence pages, symbolising more than the tragedy of war, it has come to represent the victory of willpower over loss. His left-hand salute will remain etched in the service’s collective memory as not just an act of defiance, but one of profound duty and dignity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Corporal Varun Kumar’s journey from the battlefield to recovery exemplifies compassion, steady courage, and humanity under duress. The Logical Indian lauds his quiet strength, reminding us that service extends beyond uniformed duty, it resides in integrity, empathy, and endurance.
His story invites reflection on how a nation can better support those who sacrifice physical wholeness for collective security.
A salute that moved an entire nation. 🇮🇳🫡
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) October 10, 2025
Corporal Varun Kumar, a proud son of Kerala, was honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice during #OpSindoor.
Cpl Varun embodies the true spirit of @IAF_MCC – pride, honour, and… pic.twitter.com/nejDCRhHUT
