Purnea
As India’s armed forces carried out precise strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during ‘Operation Sindoor,’ one village in Bihar couldn’t be prouder. Jhunni Kalan, the hometown of Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations (DGAO), has become a symbol of pride, as Bharti played a key role in one of the Indian Air Force’s boldest counter-terror operations.
Launched on May 7, ‘Operation Sindoor’ was a retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. It targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. Locals in Jhunni Kalan and surrounding areas speak of Bharti’s involvement with great pride, describing it as a victory not just for the village, but for the entire Purnea district.
It fills me with pride, as it does the entire village and country, that our forces gave such a strong response to terrorists, said Bharti’s father, Jeevachhlal Yadav, a retired irrigation department employee. My son played a crucial role, and the villagers are celebrating. He’s always been disciplined.
Bharti’s mother, Urmila Devi, added, The country knows his contribution. It was his dream to join the forces. This is a proud moment for us and for the nation.
His younger brother, Mithilesh Kumar, expressed pride in Bharti’s achievement, sharing that the village is celebrating his success. Bharti, who began his schooling in Purnea and later joined the National Defence Academy, was awarded the President's Air Force Medal in 2008 and was promoted to Air Marshal in 2023.