Mumbai: In a significant gesture honoring military valor, the Municipal Corporation of Sangli Miraj and Kupwad City has announced the renaming of the prominent Akashwani Road junction after Wing Commander Prakash Navale, a decorated Air Force veteran whose quick thinking and exceptional courage saved former Odisha Chief Minister J.B. Patnaik from a violent Maoist attack more than four decades ago.
The incident, which occurred in 1980 during post-cyclone relief operations, showcases an extraordinary tale of bravery that had remained largely unrecognized in the public sphere until now.
"A devastating cyclone had hit Odisha in 1980. J.B. Patnaik, who was then the Chief Minister of Odisha, requested us to transport him to Gunupur village to assess the flood conditions firsthand," recalled Wing Commander Navale, now retired and living in Sangli. "The weather conditions were extremely challenging, forcing us to use a railway track as a navigation reference to reach the village."
What was expected to be a routine inspection turned into a life-threatening situation when the helicopter landed amidst a crowd of approximately 5,000 villagers gathered near the site. "We anticipated a warm welcome for the Chief Minister, but instead, as soon as Patnaik stepped out of the helicopter, several Maoist insurgents embedded within the crowd targeted him with clear intent to assassinate," Navale explained.
The situation quickly deteriorated as the attackers turned violent. "They shattered our Chetak helicopter's windows with stones, inflicted significant damage to the rotor, looted equipment from the aircraft, and physically assaulted our crew," Navale recounted. "Our uniforms were torn, and we sustained various injuries. Despite the chaos, we managed to rush Patnaik to a nearby police station for temporary safety."
The crew found themselves in an impossible position – stranded with a damaged helicopter as evening approached, surrounded by hostile elements, and responsible for the safety of a high-profile political figure. "By 4 PM, we realized the crowd wasn't dispersing. Operating a damaged helicopter violates fundamental aviation protocols, but we had to make a critical decision – either risk flying in a compromised aircraft or face certain death at the hands of the Maoists," said the former Air Force officer.
In a daring maneuver that would later earn him national recognition, Navale and his crew coordinated with local police to create a diversion, rushed Patnaik back to the damaged helicopter, and managed a precarious takeoff despite the compromised equipment. "We successfully transported the Chief Minister to an advanced landing ground in Gopalpur, from where he was subsequently evacuated to Bhubaneswar via an alternative aircraft," Navale added.
His exceptional courage and commitment to duty earned him the prestigious Shaurya Chakra in 1982, followed by the Maharashtra Gaurav Award in 1990, cementing his place among India's distinguished military heroes.
IAS Shubham Gupta, the recently appointed Municipal Commissioner of Sangli-Miraj and Kupwad City, emphasized the significance of the renaming decision: "Wing Commander Navale played a pivotal role in preserving the life of J.B. Patnaik during extraordinary circumstances. In recognition of his valor and unwavering courage, we are proud to rename the Akashwani Chowk on Kolhapur Road after him."
The initiative to honor Navale came through a proposal submitted in October 2024 by the Akhil Bharatiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad (West Maharashtra). Group Captain Shrikant Walwadkar, who heads the organization, shared: "The collector and civic authorities immediately recognized the merit of our proposal and expedited the legal process to give Wing Commander Navale the recognition he deserves."
Walwadkar also revealed plans for another commemorative project: "Soon, the new garden near Kaali Khan in Sangli will be named after Mahavir Chakra recipient Pandurang Salunkhe, furthering our commitment to honoring our military heroes."
Navale's journey from a small village on the outskirts of Sangli to becoming a decorated Air Force officer embodies the spirit of determination that defines many who join India's armed forces. After completing his education at Sainik School in Satara, he joined the Indian Air Force, where his service would eventually include the life-saving mission that is now being commemorated.
Despite facing personal challenges, including the amputation of his left leg due to cancer, Wing Commander Navale continues to maintain an active lifestyle in Sangli, where he resides with his wife. His story stands as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary acts of courage performed by military personnel, often in circumstances far removed from traditional battlefields.
"I am deeply honored that a road junction is being named after me during my lifetime," Navale remarked. "This recognition is possible thanks to the administration, MLA Sudhir Gadgil, and Group Captain Walwadkar's efforts to ensure that stories like mine remain part of our collective memory."
