K R Raghunath in the NDA, Rathan in Foxtrot Squadron, K R Rathindranath - correct name - Started using this from AF Academy, Bidar onwards as Raghunath was his father’s name. Rathindranath hailed from Cannanore in Kerala. Rathan’s father Maj Gen K Raghunath was a famous EME stalwart who was the founder MD of the ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Company) in Kanpur. Later he was the MD of KELTRON (Kerala Electronics). Rathan has a younger brother, Rajan - Capt (IN) KR Rajendranath, also an ex-NDA, from the 66th course, Hunter Squadron.

A second generation Defence Services Officer, Rathan did his schooling at Lawrence School, Lovedale, Nilgiris. In the fourth term at NDA, Rathan was appointed a Staff Corporal, a coveted appointment also held by Simon George Pynumootil (Delta squadron and from the same school) and Satyendra Singh Jamwal (Echo squadron and from the sister school at Sanawar). Strangely , all these three Lawrencians, of 56th NDA, met with an unnatural end to their promising futures. Rathan was a DCC in the 6th term. His Lawrence school upbringing & services background put him into a special league. He was always well turned out, was good at drill, participated in all games and was good at PT. He was in the academy Cricket team. A good team man who was always at the forefront. He appreciated the good work, and at the same time, he was upfront in pointing out wrongs done even by his best friends.

Satyesh Bhadhuri of Foxtrot recollects that Raghunath or Rathindranath Raghunath as he knew him, was a silent but introverted achiever. He knew him earlier during their childhood days as both their fathers were colleagues. Meeting him in the squadron was a pleasant surprise to Bhads. He found the same genuinity, sincerity and his innate honesty coupled with his shy, sweet smile. During the various appointments he held, one could see his concerns about the juniors and his subordinates. He was always at the forefront to take the blame whenever there was a goof-up created by someone or a group. A rare quality in itself. He was a total team man and always in front of all the exercises he underwent in the Academy, never shying away from his responsibilities. Bhads met Rathan at MoD when they were both performing ADC to some senior officer. He was still the same gentle, humble and the smiling persona as he knew him. He had visions for the future.

Bhads remembers one incident in the Academy, which made him Rathan's ardent and sincere fan. "Being an enfant terrible, I was often on punishment. Once after Restrictions, I was exhausted and depressed as it was movie day and more importantly, cold coffee day. On returning to my cabin fatigued, I saw Rathan with two mugs of cold coffee and a big slice of cake which he had kept aside for me. On being asked about his generosity, he simply answered- "Bhads, you do not deserve this punishment, but took it on yourself to protect someone who was on the verge of relegation due to punishment." Bhads was speechless because nobody knew it beside two of them yet Rathan had figured it out.

Rathindranath’s Service number (16027) was just one below the current CAS, RKS Bhadauria. He would have surely made to an Air Marshall. He was a man of details. Nothing skipped his notice both at and off work. Positioned at number 2 spot in 125 Pilots Course, he was an upright officer and a born leader. He worked hard, was a fast learner and possessed qualities of a good teacher. He topped the courses he attended and was amongst the first lot of pilots sent to Russia for inducting the MiG-29s into the IAF. He served as ADC to Air Chief Marshals N Suri and SK Kaul.

Rathan was extremely fond of movies. While posted at Bhuj, he would often meet our NDA Sub Maj Ghuman Singh, Grenadiers who was the Manager of the local movie theatre. He kept good accounts and was quick in calculating ‘per head expenditure’ in group outings. He was a stickler for discipline and diligently followed orders and instructions. In many ways, he was an OG guy in the AF uniform.

Socially, Rathan was very popular. He helped a number of people, some friends and many just acquaintances, along his journey. Being posted at the Air HQ in Delhi, in the highest office of the CAS, he never hesitated in extending help to his friends that were posted all over the country. He had well-wishers and admirers. He was a charming man who had a way with the ladies. He was well-spoken, well-read and a very good conversationalist.

While stationed at Lohegaon, Pune, Rathan visited Prakash Nair's house in Chinchwad. He had a meal with the family, and on the way back, he wanted a guide to pilot him on to the main road. Nair's sister volunteered as she was going to her office for work on a kinetic scooter, and he was on a bike (Yezdi). He later spoke to Nair informing that he was unable to keep up with his sister as he lost her in the traffic. Nair's sister, on the other hand, took her job of piloting an Ace pilot too seriously and did not want to lag behind on the road.

Rathan was a QFI ( Qualified Flying Instructor) at FTW, Hakimpet in 89-91. He did the 52 Staff Course at the DSSC in 1996-97. In 2004, Rathan was commanding Air Force Station Rajokri in New Delhi. On 08 Oct 2004, he had invited a few coursemates to the official Air Force Dinner at his mess. He seemed very happy and fully in control of things.

A couple of months later , on 13 Apr 2005, our dear Group Captain Krishna Raghunath Rathindranath left us for his heavenly abode. You will always be remembered as a great friend, a gentleman and a top-notch professional. 56th NDA is proud of you, my friend. Rest in Peace! Looking at the stars above, one wonders if he must be residing somewhere there spreading the smile and happiness and creating the right ambience for peace and tranquillity.

Rathan left behind his wife, Mona (9014022576) and son, Rohit(Monty),1991 born (9000272003). They stay at Plot #137, Swarnandhra Colony Phase 1, Near Meghadri Heights, Yapral, Rangareddy District, Telangana – 500087. Rathan’s brother Rajendranath flies for the PAWAN Hans. He stays in Goa, and his contact number is 9822126402.

Penned with inputs from Rajendranath (Rathan’s brother), Ashok Mukherji, HJ Walia, Satyesh Bhaduri and Rajiv Battish.

🙏May his soul rest in peace🙏