Ode to the real brave hearts!

Today, I was spectator to what shall be one of “the shows” I have ever watched in my life. I watched the combat exercise of most probably one of the MiG variants (I am not much knowledgeable about the various fighter jets, but comparing the relative shapes of the jets the Indian Air Force possesses at http://indianairforce.nic.in/ -> Know Us -> Our Strength, it appears to me that the jet was a MiG).

And what a treat it was for the eyes! The exercise continued for about 5 minutes, starting with the jet flying with its wings in the vertical position (a 90 degree tilt from the normal position of any aircraft - that's when I first caught sight of the flying black bird piercing the blue and partly cloudy sky). Seconds after, the jet came into the normal flying position to execute a complete vertical loop, during which, at the top of the loop, I could clearly see the cockpit to be upside down! Just imagine! Have you ever tried the Shirsha-asana? Then you will know how it feels when the natural flow of the blood is directed towards the brain instead of the legs! And this guy, the pilot, moved into a similar position mid air, about a kilometer above the ground, travelling at a speed greater than Mach 1! God damn! Ludicrous! Fanatical! How does he do it!? What's going on at the back of his mind at that juncture!? Is he thinking at all!? What challenges and threats do we talk about in our life, we who have their feet always on the ground? Overwhelming number of questions and thoughts pounded my brain as my adrenaline started flowing as I kept staring high up in the sky. Then it was time for the beast and its master to perform a horizontal loop, the entire loop executed with the wings in a vertical position! I do not have enough literary prowess to pen down the scintillating display of daring skills. But I am sure each one of us will feel the thrill given a chance to behold the exercise.

On the eve of our country's 61st Independence Day, I could not find a better or more significant theme to write about. Each and every person from the country must be grateful to these brave hearts, who embed the stunts, unimaginable to most, as part of their professional duties. Thank you, brave hearts, for protecting the country and making us feel so safe. Your accomplishments make me even more proud about my country!