President condoles IAF ex-chief Moolgavkar's death

President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the death of former Air Chief Marshal Hrushikesh Moolgavkar in a message sent to his daughter and son, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said on Sunday.

"I am sad to learn about the passing away of your father Air Chief Marshal Hrushikesh Moolgavkar, former Chief of the Air Staff," said President Mukherjee in his message to Moolgavkar's daughter Jyoti Rai and son Prakash Moolgavkar.

"Please convey my heartfelt condolences to all members of your family. I pray to the Almighty to give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss," it added.

Hrushikesh Moolgavkar was the chief of the Indian Air Force from February 1976 to August 1978. His exceptional gallantry in the battle of Zoji La in Kashmir and his role in Kashmir operations won him the Mahavir Chakra in 1948.

Moolgavkar had a bunch of firsts to his credit. He was the first Indian to fly faster than sound in 1951 in a Mystere-II fighter Bomber. Moolgavkar was one of the earliest people to fly the MIG Fighter aircraft and the Gnat fighter in 1954.

Moolgavkar, who was instrumental in ushering several reforms and improving flight safety in IAF, was decorated with Param Vishist Seva Medal for 38 years of service in the Indian Air Force.