Rs. 2.7 cr-worth loans disbursed to air warriors through 'Arjan Singh Trust': Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa

Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa on Sunday, while recalling the contribution of 'philanthropist' Marshal of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Arjan Singh revealed that over Rs. 2.7 crore-worth loans have been disbursed to air warriors so far, from the money that was collected under the 'Arjan Singh trust', established in 2004.

Speaking to reporters after paying his respect to the departed at his Kautilya Marg residence, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said the trust fund was set up by Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh and his wife to help air warriors at a time when no pensions were available.

"In 2004, when he was promoted as the Marshal of IAF, he, along with his wife, sold off their property and started the Arjan Singh Trust at a value of Rs. 2 crore, which has now summed up to Rs. 3.7 crore. This was at a time when there were many airmen retiring from the service without their pensions being provided, which caused economic grief. They have disbursed Rs. 2.7 crore of loans to air warriors so far," he said.

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh was 'a philanthropist to the core' and always led from the front and brought many innovative reforms to the IAF.

Recalling his contribution to India's victory in the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa stated that it was he, who steered India's victory over the enemy and spoiled its design to annex Jammu and Kashmir, despite initial setbacks.

"The 1965 Indo-Pakistani war was the first major air battle post Independence. It was his dynamic leadership that helped us overcome our initial setbacks and overpower the enemy, who wanted to annex Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Further, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh was overwhelmed with the recruitment of women as fighter pilots, and even met the three women, who were recruited.

India's pride Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh passed away on Saturday.

He was admitted to Army's Research and Referral hospital on Saturday morning after he suffered a cardiac arrest, the Defence Ministry said.

The National Flag will fly half-mast in Delhi on Monday, on account of the nation mourning the death.

The Government of India announced this, while expressing profound sorrow over the loss and said that a state funeral will be accorded for the same tomorrow.

The last rites of Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh would be performed at Brar Square, Delhi on September 18.

-ANI