COIMBATORE:A 11-year old thalassemia (an inherited blood disorder where the oxygen carrying red blood cells do not have the right shape and get damaged) patient has become the youngest honorary pilot with sheer determination and also with the blessing and support of Air Commodore Umesh Kumar, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Sulur, and other air force pilots at the station.
Mukilesh was diagnosed with thalassemia and he was undergoing treatment at GKNM Hospital, Coimbatore.
It was at that time when it all began with a request from Make a Wish Foundation local coordinator requesting Umesh Kumar to make the boy’s dream a reality.
Kumar had accepted the request and the 33 Squadron was given the responsibility to train the child.
To make his dream a reality, Mukilesh was given a pre-flight briefing.
It was while he was sitting next to his parents that Flying Officer Bala gave the pre-flight briefing.
During the briefing, on various questions by the squadron members, the boy came up with smart answers which impressed all.
At the end of the briefing, he confidently replied to the Commanding Officer that he was ready for the mission.
Mukilesh was given a squadron badge and cap and above all, the Commanding Officer presented him with the Pilot Wing. The moment he lifted the aircraft his spirits brought tears of joy to his parent’s eyes.
After interaction with the members of the squadron he was shown the squadron museum to know the rich history of the squadron.
He was taken to the aircraft by the Commanding Officer and he was wished with applauds by all.
He was at the peak of his happiness when he was seated in the captain’s seat of the aircraft.
“I think it was a great experience for him and I am sure he will talk about this for days, especially when he takes a nap and recovers from everything,” said Kavitha, Mukilesh’s mother.
Wing Commander Karry Lokesh said, “I think it was really important for us to do all for him after everything has turned bitter in his life. It was a honour to do it as he truly deserved this.”