Commander Naveen Pandita: At The Age of Ten, I Was Part of The Kashmiri Pandit Exodus (Indian Naval Aviator, 21 Years, 37k Followers)

Commander Naveen Pandita Interview

"This harrowing migration taught me that nothing in life is permanent and ignited an unwavering determination to become self-reliant and not be a burden on my parents."

Q. Growing up in Kashmir and being homeschooled due to your health condition, how did those early challenges shape your outlook on life and fuel your determination to join the armed forces?

My childhood in Kashmir was anything but conventional. Diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at age two, my world, and that of my family, became one of strict medical routines. 

Unlike other children, I couldn't enjoy treats like candies or ice cream; instead, I took 14-16 medicine pills daily. My early years were spent on medical and religious tourism, not making friends, attending school, or playing in parks. 

I never had a typical childhood bruise, only syringe marks from countless blood tests and injections all over my forearms. Our home felt like a mini hospital, with my parents acting as doctors and my sisters as nurses. 

I was often told I'd live like a "vegetable" forever. Yet, this highly restricted and disciplined upbringing taught me to curb desires early and gave me an intense focus. This discipline proved invaluable after my recovery. 

While the defense services weren't on my radar between ages two and eight, a powerful inclination to join the forces emerged later, fueled by a deep desire to prove my capabilities to the world.

Q. Migrating from Kashmir during the 1990 turmoil must have been a defining experience — what memories or lessons from that time have stayed with you throughout your career?

In 1990, at the age of ten, I was part of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus. We were forcibly uprooted from our home in Kashmir, compelled to move to Jammu. I remember being told to pack just one bag of essentials, unaware we were leaving forever. 

We abandoned all our belongings, and by midnight, we were on a bus with other Pandit families, saying goodbye to Kashmir. Our family of five, once in a three-story house, lived in a single room in Jammu for over a year. 

This harrowing migration taught me that nothing in life is permanent and ignited an unwavering determination to become self-reliant and not be a burden on my parents.

Q. You chose to become a Naval Aviator and fly Maritime Reconnaissance missions — what inspired you to aim for “Top Gun” in the Navy, and what was the most memorable moment in your flying career?

Despite a childhood marked by Nephrotic Syndrome and the 1990 Kashmiri Pandit exodus, I achieved a significant milestone at 13, clearing the UPSC entrance exam for RIMC. 

It was at this military boarding school, inspired by Tom Cruise's Lieutenant Pete Mitchell in Top Gun (and initially unaware he was US Navy), that I set my sights on becoming a naval pilot. This led me to crack the NDA exam and join the Indian Navy.

My flying career has many highlights, but one incident stands out: while flying the IL-38 Sea Dragon over the Gulf of Oman on a friendly mission, we were joined in close formation by two F-18 Hornets from a US Carrier Battle Group. 

Piloting the aircraft, I vividly recall trying to comprehend the reality of operating so closely to what could be considered adversary aircraft.

Q. You’ve commanded both a frontline air squadron and a warship — how did you adapt your leadership style across such different operational environments?

For any Naval Officer, commanding both frontline warships and aircraft squadrons was a dream realised. Though the environments and challenges differed significantly, the constant factor was leading the dedicated men and women behind the machines. 

This made both appointments true tests of managing personnel and equipment, whether in the air or on water. My early, rigorous training in the Indian Navy, combined with deep professional knowledge of both ships and aircraft, allowed me to navigate these high-pressure commands with ease. 

Throughout my tenure, I maintained a high level of critical thinking, which was instrumental in leading missions with precision.

Q. With 15 transfers in 21 years of service, what has been your approach to handling constant change, and what advice would you give to others facing frequent transitions?

Fifteen transfers in 21 years of service were incredibly challenging for both my family and me. However, my spouse, the true pillar of my support, made navigating each move much easier. 

Having her by my side not only simplified the logistics of frequent relocations but also allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on serving the nation, knowing the home front was secure. She has consistently been my rock through the toughest situations, and I attribute all my career achievements to her unwavering support. 

These transfers, despite their difficulty, also taught my family and me to adapt to new surroundings and situations, ultimately reinforcing the valuable lesson that nothing in life is permanent.

Q. Now, as a commercial pilot and a digital content creator, how are you channeling your naval experience into these new ventures?

My current role as a commercial pilot keeps me sharp, a discipline further honed by my training in the Indian Navy. This foundation helps me manage the demands of my current routine as a digital content creator. 

My main goal is to contribute to society after I retire from the forces. I share stories from my life as a Naval officer and pilot to inspire and encourage young people to consider a career in the armed forces. 

Additionally, I'm creating videos on dining etiquette to help individuals across all age brackets to confidently navigate formal and official meals.

Q. Looking back at your journey — from battling nephrotic syndrome as a child to commanding warships and aircraft — what message would you like to share with young Indians who dream big but face tough odds?

Growing up with nephrotic syndrome and enduring the painful label of "vegetable" profoundly shaped my life. I went from being an emotional and financial burden on my family to the immense privilege of commanding warships and an Aircraft Squadron. 

This journey was far from easy and wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of my family.

My message to young Indians is this: nothing is impossible when your family stands by you. Coupled with an individual's resolve to excel, this support will guide you through life's challenges. 

Never stop dreaming, stay focused on your goals, and the universe will conspire to make your dreams a reality.

Bio

Commander Naveen Pandita is a Kashmiri Pandit born in Kashmir. He battled with Nephrotic syndrome from the age of 2 to 8 and was homeschooled up to the age of 6. He migrated from Kashmir to Jammu in 1990. 

He cleared the UPSC entrance exam for RIMC in 1993.He studied at RIMC from 1993 to 1998, cleared the NDA entrance exam and joined NDA in January 1999. He joined the Indian Navy to become a Naval Aviator (TOP GUN) as motivation. 

He opted for Naval Aviation and became a Maritime Reconnaissance Pilot in the Indian Navy. He trained with the Airforce for 1 year before getting his first posting. He has flown three different types of aircraft in the aviation career.

He commanded a warship INS Agray and a frontline Air squadron INAS 314. He is Second in command of warships INS Cannanore and warship INS Gomati. He has had 15 transfers in 21 years of commissioned service. He is now flying as a commercial pilot and also creating digital content.

Follow Naveen on Instagram


Interviewed by Ishika Ahuja