Remembering Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar: Son Rajeev Chandrasekhar Leads Tributes To IAF Legend

Bengaluru: Air Commodore Mangattil Karakkad (M.K.) Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd), a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force and father of Kerala BJP State President and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, passed away last night. He leaves behind a legacy of service, courage, and mentorship that shaped generations of air warriors.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar Pays Emotional Tribute

Air Commodore Chandrasekhar was the father of Former Union Minister and Kerala BJP State President K Rajeev Chandrasekhar. In an emotional tribute, Rajeev Chandrasekhar said:

“My father passed away today after getting back home. He lived a full life and a life that inspired many, including me. Every step of my life has been inspired by him and his love. He was an air warrior, patriot, gentleman - but most of all, a great father/guide to me and a grandfather to my children.”

Blueskies and Tailwinds AirCmde MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM 🫡My father passed away today after getting back home. He lived a full life and a life that inspired many including me. Every step of my life has been inspired by him and his love was an airwarrior, patriot,... twitter/kvuL47JfZe

- Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) August 29, 2025

Leaders Across India Pay Tribute

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said:“I offer sincerest condolences to my friend and senior party leader Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar ji on the demise of his illustrious father... May God grant him strength to bear the irreparable loss.”

I offer sincerest condolences to my friend and senior party leader Sh @RajeevRC_X Ji on the demise of his illustrious father AirCmde MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM. May God grant him strength to bear the irreparable loss Shanti! twitter/oRi8dTvXyW

- Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 30, 2025

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remembered him as an embodiment of courage and excellence:“He served the nation with distinction and will be remembered for his contributions to the Air Force.”

Saddened to know about the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar ji, VM, VSM (Retd), father of Shri @RajeevRC_X ji embodiment of courage, commitment and excellence, Air Commodore MK Chandrashekhar ji served the nation with distinction. He will be remembered for his... twitter/YhviaotTG5

- Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 30, 2025

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant shared:“I offer my heartfelt condolences to Rajeev ji and his family in this moment of grief. May God give them strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Saddened to learn about the demise of Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM, father of Kerala BJP State President Sh. @RajeevRC_X Ji.I offer my heartfelt condolences to him and his family in this moment of grief God give them strength to bear this irreparable loss... twitter/GCylHkmFET

- Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) August 30, 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called him a decorated officer who dedicated his life to service with honour and distinction.

Saddened to hear of the passing of Air Cmde M.K. Chandrashekhar ji, father of Shri @RajeevRC_X. A decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, he dedicated his life to service with honour and distinction. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this hour of grief. Om... twitter/xCiInetzl0

- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) August 30, 2025

Anil K. Antony wrote:“Deeply saddened by the demise of Air Commodore M.K. Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd). He was a native of Deshamangalam, Thrissur. Heartfelt condolences, prayers and thoughts with the grieving family, friends and well-wishers during this period of profound grief.”

Deeply saddened by the demise of Air Commodore Mangattil Karakkad (MK) Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd) , father of @BJP4Keralam State President and Former Union Minister Shri.@RajeevRC_X ji. Air Cmde Sri. MK Chandrasekhar was a native of Deshamangalam in Thrissur District. He... twitter/kfyY4HfIyC

- Anil K Antony (@anilkantony) August 29, 2025

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said:“Deeply saddened by the passing of Air Cmde M.K. Chandrashekhar ji, father of former Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar ji. His dedication, vision, and contributions will always be remembered.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Air Cmde M.K. Chandrashekhar ji, father of former Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrashekhar ji. His dedication, vision, and contributions will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and well-wishers during this... twitter/XQzmlCOEDn

- Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) August 30, 2025

S. Phangnon Konyak, Rajya Sabha MP, said:“A life devoted to the service of the Nation, he truly touched the sky with glory as an air warrior. My heartfelt condolences to Shri Rajeev and the family during this difficult time. May his noble soul find eternal rest.”

We deeply mourn the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd.), respected father of Shri @RajeevRC_X, State President of BJP Kerala and former Union Minister of State, GoI.A life devoted to the service of the Nation, he truly touched the sky with glory as an air... twitter/fZ4ou8POja

- S. Phangnon Konyak (@SPhangnon) August 29, 2025

Jagadish Shettar shared:“A life devoted to service, guided by vision and integrity - his legacy will be remembered with respect and gratitude.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Air Commodore M.K. Chandrashekhar ji, esteemed father of former Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrashekhar ji. A life devoted to service, guided by vision and integrity - his legacy will be remembered with respect and gratitude. My heartfelt... twitter/Zxla4BdtU2

- Jagadish Shettar (@JagadishShettar) August 30, 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma added:“So sorry to hear about your loss, Rajeev Ji. Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar was truly an inspiration for everyone. My thoughts are with you in this tough time.”

So sorry to hear about your loss, Rajeev Ji! Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar was truly an inspiration for everyone. I pray for the Sadgati of his soul thoughts are with you in this tough time. Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 29, 2025

V. Somanna said:“Saddened by the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd). Heartfelt condolences to Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar ji and family. Om Shanti.”

Saddened by the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd). Heartfelt condolences to Shri @RajeevRC_X and family. Om shanti twitter/VyMnOxVnZi

- V. Somanna (@VSOMANNA_BJP) August 30, 2025

Pravati Parida wrote:“A true embodiment of courage and service, he will be remembered for his distinguished contributions to the Air Force. Heartfelt condolences to Rajeev ji and family. Om Shanti.”

Saddened by the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar ji, VM, VSM (Retd), father of Shri @RajeevRC_X ji. A true embodiment of courage and service, he will be remembered for his distinguished contributions to the Air Force. Heartfelt condolences to Rajeev ji and family. Om... twitter/VHPgy1VGfb

- Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) August 30, 2025

Pratheesh Viswanath recalled:“His distinguished service to the Indian Air Force will be remembered with pride. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti.”

Deeply saddened by the demise of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar (Retd), VM, VSM, father of BJP Kerala State President & former Union Minister Shri @RajeevMP. His distinguished service to the Indian Air Force will be remembered with pride. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved... twitter/jZxnpCcYzf

- Pratheesh Viswanath (@pratheesh_Hind) August 29, 2025

Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said:“A towering figure of honour and valour, his distinguished service will be remembered with reverence and pride.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar ji, VM, VSM (Retd), father of Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar ji. A towering figure of honour and valour, his distinguished service to the Indian Air Force will be remembered with reverence and pride heartfelt... twitter/8KtIQ2np8Q

- Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo (Modiji Ka Parivar) (@KVSinghDeo1) August 30, 2025

B.Y. Vijayendra shared:“A proud son of Bharat who served the nation with great distinction in the Indian Air Force, his life of service and values will always be remembered.”

Saddened to hear about the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd), father of BJP Kerala State President and former Union Minister Shri @RajeevRC_X ji.A proud son of Bharat who served the nation with great distinction in the Indian Air Force, his life of... twitter/PhUayyGd3s

- Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) August 30, 2025

Col. S. Dinny (Retd.) paid tribute:“He was an exceptional IAF pilot with vast operational experience. Our thoughts are with Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar ji and the family.”

Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar, VSM, VM (Retd) is no more. He was an exceptional Indian Air Force @IAF_MCC pilot with vast operational experience. Our thoughts are with his son Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar ji @RajeevRC_X and other family members. Om Shanti. twitter/IaDmIjBmlK

- Colonel S Dinny (Retd) (@sdinny14) August 29, 2025

Dr. Arvind Menon wrote:“His distinguished service to the nation will be remembered. My deepest condolences to the family. Om Shanti.”

Saddened to hear about the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar (Retd), a decorated officer and proud father of Shri @RajeevRC_X. His distinguished service to the nation will be remembered. My deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. Om Shanti.🙏 twitter/gE0WX3YYXn

- Dr. Arvind Menon (@MenonArvindBJP) August 29, 2025

Janardhana Reddy added:“A proud son of Bharat, his life of service and values will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to Shri Rajeev ji and family. Om Shanti.”

Saddened to hear about the passing of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd), father of BJP Kerala State President and former Union Minister Shri @RajeevRC_X ji.A proud son of Bharat who served the nation with great distinction in the Indian Air Force, his life of... twitter/e1O98YgsYR

- Gali Janardhana Reddy (@JanardhanaBJP) August 30, 2025

Vinod Tawde expressed:“His service to the Indian Air Force will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti.”

Saddened to learn about the passing away of Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar (Retd), VM, VSM, father of BJP Kerala State President and former Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar. His distinguished service to the Indian Air Force will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences... twitter/Y5bi64gdKN

- Vinod Tawde (@TawdeVinod) August 29, 2025

The Flags of Honour Foundation, which works for the welfare of martyrs' families, described him as a“patriot and guiding light,” noting that his lifelong commitment to honouring soldiers would continue to inspire generations.

We mourn the passing of Air Commodore M.K. Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM. He was a decorated air warrior, patriot, and guiding light for the Flags of Honour Foundation served the nation with distinction in the Indian Air Force and later shaped the National Military Memorial in... twitter/lpbR5jaceO

- Flags Of Honour (@FlagsOfHonour) August 30, 2025

A Distinguished Air Warrior

Air Commodore Chandrasekhar joined the Indian Air Force in 1954 and retired in 1986, serving in multiple capacities during his illustrious career. He was among the distinguished pilots who flew Dakotas to airlift soldiers during the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict, a critical operation in India's military history. The Dakota aircraft later supported operations during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, cementing its place in India's military aviation legacy.

Mentor to Future Leaders

Beyond his operational achievements, Chandrasekhar played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of future leaders. He trained Rajesh Pilot, who served in the IAF before transitioning into a political career. Rajesh Pilot, father of Rajasthan politician Sachin Pilot, joined the Air Force in 1966 and resigned in 1979 to pursue politics, citing the influence of mentors like Chandrasekhar on his professional growth.

He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his outstanding service.

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