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Update: Saturday, 7-15 pm
Mangalore: A Fitting Farewell to a Fighter Pilot
by Richie Lasrado
Mangalore: A crowd of over 2,500 by a modest estimate gathered in the Kulshekar church on Saturday evening to bid farewell to a hero who gave his life at a prime age of 26, while doing aerial exercise in preparation for the ensuing Republic Day.
Earlier an IAF AN-32 aircraft from Jodhpur, with a unit delegation of 16 personnel led by Wing Commander Shekher Chauhan, accompanied by Squadron Leader K Nachiketa, besides Flt Lt Deepika, wife of the deceased, had landed in Bajpe airport.
The IAF and other armed forces personnel were present in the church during the service. There was solemnity and sorrow as they carried the coffin in slow march to the beat of the drums and blowing of bugles.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Wing Commander Chauhan, under whom Flt Lt Deepika is serving, said the death of a young pilot was a great loss to the armed forces. Squadron Leader Ramesh, a colleague in the unit in which Serrao served, told Daijiworld that he was a fine professional and wonderful person. The force has lost a very good pilot, he added.
The contingent was to fly back from Bajpe airport around 6-30 pm.
The armed forces protocol arrangements at the funeral were well looked after by NCC administrative officer Lt Rajendra Pande. A large number of ex-Servicemen were present at the final rites.
Colonel Nitteguttu Sharat Bhandary (Retd), a close friend of the Serrao family, spoke to Daijiworld about the great fervour of Lt Col Serrao in wanting to see his both sons serve in the armed forces, but could send only the second one.
The district administration was represented by deputy commissioner Maheshwar Rao, superintendent of police B Dayananda, ASP Lokesh Kumar and other officials. A 21-gun salute in three rounds, led by sub inspector Rukma Naik, was given just before laying the coffin down into the grave.
Mangalore: Flt Lt Serrao Laid to Rest amidst Tears
Saturday, Jan 20, 5-15 pm
Mangalore, Jan 20: Flying fighter planes was not only his profession but passion. But little would he ever had imagined that the same plane would one day turn into his coffin. That is why he would call home before taking to the sky every time. So he did for the last time on Thursday January 18 evening. He spoke with his parents, elder brother without a slightest of thoughts that it was going to be his last words with them. He flew higher and higher...so higher that he directly reached God within few seconds.
As reported earlier Flt Lt Ronald Kevin Serrao's mortals were flown in to the city by AN 32 flight and the entire unit working with Ronald was present at that moment. The body was taken to his house later.
As announced, funeral cortege left residence "The Nest", located at a depression on Kuchikad road opposite Kalpane bus stop to Cordel Church at 3 pm. Hundreds of people joined in and it was as if the entire town was in tears over the untimely demise of brave son of the soil.
Msgr Fred V Pereira offered the funeral mass while Cordel parish priest Fr Lawrence D'Souza preached a fitting homily. Family friends Fr Santhosh Kamath delivered a touching eulogy. The church was jam-packed with people thronging in big number to pay their last tributes to this great son of Mangalore. The number just increased as the body was taken to cemetery for burial. It was as if all the road were led to Cordel Church. Gloomy faces, tearful eyes and drooped shoulders summed it all that everyone present there missed this great soul.
No one knows as why God needed him so early. It is once again proven right that those whom He loves very much, God calls them to His abode soon. For Ronald sky was the limit and today he is hidden behind the same sky from where only he can see. It is sure that he would intercede God everyday and rain in showers of blessings on his beloved wife Flt Lt Deepika, father John Serrao and mother Dr Jessica Serrao and all his near and dear ones. Young yet brave Flt Lt Ronald Serrao is no more. But his memories would last long and his name would be written in Red Letters in the annals of this country always.
Adieu dear Rony…meet you on 'that beautiful shore.' May your soul rest in peace.
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