Name S. Neelakantan | ||
S. Neelakantan is an Indian air force officer and Commander in Chief of the Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force. In December 1977, he was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He received both the Yudh Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal. He was Director General of Inspection & Safety.
A flight instructor, he has flown over 3100 hours on various types of aircraft, and commanded a frontline fighter squadron and two flying bases. During 2006–07, he led the IAF contingent in Congo as part of the United Nations.
Personal
He is married to Uma Neelakantan. Together they have a daughter and a son. He is an active sportsman who plays golf, cricket and badminton. He is a qualified open water scuba diver. His hobbies include cooking, reading and travel.