A book titled “Lion of the Skies: Hardit Singh Malik, the Royal Air Force and the First World War” is all about an “India’s first fighter pilot” who participated in the World War, long before the Indian Air Force was born. The book has been written by author Stephen Barker, who describes in great detail, how challenging it was for an Indian to serve in the British armed forces, fighting racial discrimination – both institutional and interpersonal.
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During the First World War, Hardit Singh Malik served as a fighter pilot for both Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) for fighting the Germans. He is also the first Indian Ambassador to France.
The essence of the book:
Author Stephen Barker describes in great detail, how challenging it was for an Indian to serve in the British armed forces, fighting racial discrimination – both institutional and interpersonal. It is entirely to the credit of Hardit that he surpassed every obstacle with hope, enthusiasm, and the highest level of emotional maturity. As a young boy in school, he had to fight hard, just to keep his turban and faith intact.