President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday approved the conferment of the Vir Chakra on Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, a native of Gidderbaha in Muktsar district, for his distinguished role in Operation Sindoor. He is among 15 personnel to receive the prestigious gallantry award this year.
Sidhu’s family hails from Raike Kalan village in Bathinda. A decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, he was also part of the historic moment in 2020 when the first batch of five Rafale fighter jets arrived from France. Then a Squadron Leader, he piloted one of the jets that touched down at Ambala Air Force Station.
Recalling his contribution, Col Sudhanshu Arya (retd), Principal of Malwa School in Gidderbaha — Sidhu’s alma mater — expressed pride over the achievement. “This is a proud moment for the country. Ranjeet participated in Operation Sindoor. He completed his Class XII here before pursuing studies at Panjab University, Chandigarh. Meanwhile, he cleared the NDA exam and joined the Air Force. He visited the school last December on Founders’ Day,” Arya said.
Teachers at the school fondly remembered Sidhu as an all-rounder, noting that his fascination with the Air Force began when he was in Class X.