'Humble Man': Wing Commander Namansh Syal's Village Mourns Dubai Tejas Tragedy, Tributes Pour In

The village of Patialkadh in Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra district, is engulfed in grief after Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a decorated Indian Air Force officer, lost his life in the Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show. What was meant to be a proud display of India’s indigenous combat aircraft turned tragic when the LCA Tejas lost control during a manoeuvre and went down, killing the 34-year-old pilot on the spot.

The incident occurred during a high-speed demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft failed to recover from a high-G manoeuvre, leading to the fatal crash. The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause.

Shock and Sorrow Back Home

At Syal’s home in Kangra, hundreds of villagers gathered

as the news broke, with cries, prayers, and disbelief filling the air. Family members struggled to speak, shattered by the loss of a man they described as disciplined, humble, and deeply devoted to the nation.

His brother-in-law, Ramesh Kumar, heartbroken, said:

“He was my brother-in-law… He was supposed to get a promotion. At just 34, he had already reached the rank of Squadron Leader. He was a very humble person. The entire village is devastated.”

Syal leaves behind his wife, herself an Air Force officer, and a six-year-old daughter. Neighbours recall him as a quiet, respectful boy who always dreamt of wearing the uniform and serving the country.

#WATCH | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh: Ramesh Kumar says, “He’s my brother-in-law… He was supposed to get a promotion. At 34, he was a squadron leader. He was a very humble man. The entire village is sad…” https://t.co/TEtxhaWyc4 pic.twitter.com/PDt84C4KKg

— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2025

Leaders Pay Tribute

Tributes poured in from across the state and the nation. Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed deep sorrow in a heartfelt message:

दुबई एयर शो में हुए तेजस विमान हादसे में वीरभूमि हिमाचल के कांगड़ा जिला के नमंश स्याल जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत कष्टदाई है। नमन जी के निधन से माँ भारती ने एक जांबाज, व कर्तव्यपरायण वीर सपूत खो दिया है।

मेरी हार्दिक संवेदनाएं उनके शोकाकुल परिवार के साथ हैं। ईश्वर नमन जी की… pic.twitter.com/mFqR3AuAA8

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) November 21, 2025

“The news of Namansh Syal ji’s passing in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show is extremely painful. Bharat Mata has lost a brave, duty-bound son. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.”

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also mourned the loss, calling Syal a “valiant son of Kangra who brought honour to the state and the nation.”

दुबई एयर शो में हुए तेजस विमान हादसे में हिमाचल प्रदेश के कांगड़ा ज़िला के वीर सपूत नमन स्याल जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुःखद और हृदयविदारक है।

देश ने एक बहादुर, कर्तव्यनिष्ठ और साहसी पायलट खो दिया है।

शोकाकुल परिवारजनों के प्रति अपनी गहरी संवेदनाएँ प्रकट करता हूँ। pic.twitter.com/WtHt7gO4E6

— CMO HIMACHAL (@CMOFFICEHP) November 21, 2025

The Indian Air Force shared its condolences and affirmed its support for the grieving family.