Ganapathy Sarma Padma Kumar was born on 17 Aug 1955 at a village called Ambalapuzha in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. He studied at the Government HS Ambalapuzha till the 6th standard, after which he joined Sainik School, Kazhakoottam. After successfully completing Sainik School, he joined for BSc at SD College, Alappuzha, but left half way through the first year to join the 50th NDA course. He passed out from NDA with above average grading as Divisional Cadet Captain (DCC) from F Squadron. He was duly commissioned in the IAF fighter stream from Air Force from the Air Force Academy in Jul 1977. After completing his advanced training from the AFA and Hunter flying from OCU Kalaikunda, he joined 28 Sqn, Tezpur for training in the MiG 21 T-77.
During the training he had a 'landing incident', due to which he was branched off into the helicopter stream. After completing his Helicopter Training at HTS Hakimpet, Hyderabad, he was posted to a HU at Air Force Station Sarsawa. In Apr 1983, he was operating a detachment at Chandigarh as the detachment commander tasked for communication duties.
On 19 Apr 1983, he was assigned a mission to carry relief material for another helicopter that had become unserviceable in the Himalayan ranges and high altitude. Flt Lt G Padma Kumar was the captain with Pilot Officer Hooda as the copilot for the mission. They started off from Chandigarh with relief material in the morning. After a refuelling halt at Kullu, they were to cross Rohtang Pass (approximately 13,000 ft). Due to the weather conditions and the payload of the helicopter, they could not recover from a heavy mountain downdraught and crash landed on the snow-covered hillside. He and his Co-pilot were apparently safe and walked out of the helicopter.
They could see the nearby Mannali town. It looked close and so they walked cross country, in snow covered mountainside and fell victims of hypothermia. Their bodies were found a few days latervafter extensive search by the Army and the IAF.
Flt Lt G Padma Kumar's body was collected by his brother, then Fg Offr GN Moorthy and was taken to his native village Ambalapuzha where the cremation and last rites were held in full state honours.
Flt Lt G Padma Kumar was always cool, cheerful and friendly to everyone due to which he was liked by his peers, seniors and all else. He was a very dependable member of his Unit and a very active one. Though a bit of an introvert, those close to him vouch for his warmth, helpful attitude and friendliness.
Due to his interest in the game of chess, he was known as 'King' to his friends and colleagues. Though not a very good singer, he was very keen in Carnatic music. His hobby also used to be gardening which he would try while at his village. He was a bachelor and his parents were in the process of finding a partner for him when fate took him away. His personality keeps him still alive in the memories of all those who were associated with him.
My take.
Padma Kumar was my classmate in school. We weren't the best of friends in school but we became friendly while at the NDA. He was, indeed, a sweet fella. Om Shanti. Sadgati.
Tailpiece.
Got up a trifle after 6, the chores and was ready well in time. Suma kunjamma and Santhi arrived, from Thiruvananthapuram, by 1100 hrs. We left for Pidavoor by a half past 11 to be in time to receive Karthika's folks who were our guests for the day. Heavy rains lashed through for almost the entire day.
Since the Covid situation at Bangalore was bad, Ammu and Mithun cancelled their proposed return trip. We went to Kottarakkara to get my dongle and Mini's cellphone repaired. Mine was done but Mini's had to be postponed because of the proposed lockdown from tomorrow!
Earlier, Suma kunjamma and Santhi left Raj Nivas by 1600 hrs.
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