President Pranab Mukherjee today condoled the death of former Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra and said the nation would remember him as one who implemented several reforms and rules that saw improvement in flight safety across the IAF.
In his message to his son Suneel Mehra, the President said he was sad to learn about the passing away of former Air Chief Marshal Mehra, who was part of the IAF for over three decades.
"He had many firsts to his credit. During his service in the Air Force he flew a very wide variety of aircraft including Tiger Moth and finally the Jaguar (in UK) and the MiG-21.
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"Air Chief Mehra implemented several reforms and rules that saw improvement in flight safety across the IAF. He was not just a brave air warrior but also served the nation as Governor of Maharashtra and Governor of Rajasthan," he said in his message.
Mehra, 96, passed away here yesterday and was cremated this morning at Brar Square in Army cantonment.
For his outstanding services to the nation and the Indian Air Force, he was honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 1968.
He was honoured with a Padma Vibhushan in 1977 for his service to the Indian Force.
The former IAF Chief is also credited with holding of Asian Games in 1982.
