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Searching videos of pilot son’s air show, father came across Tejas crash reports

Naman’s mother Veena was not in a state to talk, he said. “I asked officers who came to inform me about... when his body will be brought back. They didn’t give a definite time, but hinted two days will be taken in the process.”

dubai airshow, airshow, airshow crash, tejas, tejas crash, dubai air crash, dubai air show, air show crash, dubai plane crash, tejas crash in dubai, dubai jet crash, dubai air show tejas, airshow plane crash, dubai airshow today, plane crash dubai today, plane crash todayWing Commander Naman Syal was from Himachal’s Kangra

Jagan Nath Syal, the father of Wing Commander Naman Syal who died in the Tejas fighter jet crash at Dubai Air Show Friday, was scrolling YouTube for videos of the air show when he saw reports about the deadly crash.

“I last spoke to my son yesterday. He told me to see his performance during the air show on TV channels or YouTube. Around 4 pm today, I was searching videos of the ongoing air show in Dubai on YouTube when I saw reports about the plane crash. Immediately, I called my daughter-in-law, who is also a Wing Commander, to check what happened. Moments later, at least six Air Force officers arrived at our house and I realised something bad happened to my son,” said Syal, a retired school principal from Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

Syal and his wife Veena Syal are currently at Naman’s house in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He told The Indian Express over the phone they went from their village Patialkad in Kangra to Coimbatore two weeks ago to look after their seven-year-old granddaughter Aarya Syal. Their daughter-in-law is undergoing training in Kolkata, he said.

“Naman joined the defence forces after clearing the NDA exam in 2009. He completed his schooling from Primary School Dalhousie, Army Public School, YoL Cantt Dharamshala and Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira, in Himachal Pradesh. He was excellent in studies and dreamt big about his life. This incident left us completely shattered,” said the grieving father.

Naman’s mother Veena was not in a state to talk, he said. “I asked officers who came to inform me about… when his body will be brought back. They didn’t give a definite time, but hinted two days will be taken in the process.”

Expressing his condolences over the demise of Wing Commander Naman, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu posted on X, “The news of the tragic death of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district’s brave son, Naman Syal ji, in the Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show is extremely saddening and heartbreaking. The nation has lost a courageous, dutiful, and valiant pilot… I bow to the indomitable bravery, sense of duty, and dedication to national service of the brave son…”

Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, Hemraj Bairwa, said, “SDM Nagrota Bagwan Ashish Sharma is in contact with the family of the fighter pilot. We figured out the address of the family of Naman Syal, native of Patialkad village at Nagrota Bagwan, when news spread about his death.

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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