Most of the passengers on the Airbus knew that landing at Kathmandu airport in a monsoon month could sometimes become difficult but when the pilot’s second attempt to find the opening to the valley failed, anxiety began to seize them. Except for Cecil Chaudhry, sitting next to me, by the window. Appearing to be completely unperturbed, he was not even looking at the clouds that had enveloped the plane. Only when on the third attempt the plane had completed a safe landing did he whisper a comment: “Quite difficult landing; good pilot.”

Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry (retired), who died in Lahore the other day, was known for his coolness and concentration on his objective in times both of peace and war. The people of Pakistan and the chroniclers of air battles across the world knew him only as one of the earliest heroes of the 1965 war – he had shot up to fame on the very first day of the conflict. But his exploits in the cause of peace and justice were no less outstanding.

The second son of Chacha F.E Chaudhry, the doyen of the country’s news photographers and his widely respected wife, Cecil was fortunate in receiving a wholesome upbringing. Known as devout Christians his parents were also respected for their austere living and compassion for all fellow beings in the finest traditions of a secular culture. Cecil taught himself to live by these values.

From the accounts one has heard from his Air Force colleagues Cecil Chaudhry was a good officer and fairly earned all the promotions he got. He deserved to rise higher than the final rank allowed to him (Group Captain) but his belief stood in his way.

He was hurt but he had the capacity to suppress his bitterness. His loyalty to the motherland was unshakeable. He got a chance to help two Arab states (Iraq and Jordan) modernise their air force and they wanted him to stay with them longer but by then the struggle of his community for its rights had begun to claim his time.

Cecil Chaudhry threw himself in the struggle for Pakistani minorities’ political rights with a passion that lifted the campaign against separate electorates to new heights. He lectured in cities across the country, organised rallies, refused to be deterred by criminal cases against him and his companions, and was also invited to address participants and lawmakers in foreign capitals.

Those who happened to join him at meetings on rights will recall with admiration his careful planning of his briefs, his insistence on getting his facts right, and his tenacity in pursuing his argument.

These qualities also served him well when he took over as the Principal of Saint Anthony’s School, Lahore, and raised the status of his alma mater. Apart from making a conscious effort to combat discrimination on the basis of belief one of his remarkable initiatives was a student exchange programme with foreign institutions for the promotion of peace. Until a dreaded disease obliged him to choose reclusion Cecil Chaudhry was recognised by his enthusiasm for action, his good smile and his unforced laughter. Life gave him many rewards; they did not turn his head. He had his share of sorrows; they did not spoil his heart. He stood by his post, erect and proud, full of goodwill for all human beings, a fine specimen of what a Pakistani citizen can be.

History will honour him in full measure. — I.A Rehman