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We regret to inform you of the sad demise of Air Cmde (Retd)
R Sitaram at Bangalore on 25th February 2006. May his soul rest in peace.
Air Cmde (Retd) R Sitaram and his brother Late Air
Marshal R Rajaram, were fondly known as `The Ram Brothers' in the early
days of the Indian Air Force. They were introduced to flying by their
father Rao Bahadur BS Ramaswami Aiyer, of the Indian Service of Engineers,
who had taken it up as a hobby at the age of 40 Yrs. The boys took to
flying as naturally as ducks take to water, and earned their flying
licence at the age of 17 yrs and 16 yrs respectively. When the war
broke out, father and sons volunteered for active service. Due to his age,
the Rao Bahadur was turned away politely to serve in an alternate
capacity. Sitaram and Rajaram received King's Commission and reported for
duty in the new RIAF.
At the flying club in Madras PS Atmaram, a friend of
the family, learnt to fly as well and joined RIAF. Later, as Group
Captains Sitaram, Rajaram and Atmaram had the distinction
 of
simultaneously commanding Air force Stations Jalahalli, Tambaram and
Secunderabad respectively. Throughout their service career, the Ram
Brothers received many accolades. Rajaram passed away in 1968.
The brothers were exceptionally close to each other.
With Air Cmde Sitaram's sad demise, they are now reunited once again with
each other and many other dear friends. We, as children, were fortunate to
have known many of these friends and we cherished them like an extended
family. In an old photo displayed alongside, Late Air Cmde R Sitaram is in
the centre of front row. His brother, Late AVM Rajaram (in shorts), is
seen along side.
It is a tribute to the fundamental training of my
parents and the further burnishing by the Air Force, that we
 grew up to be
responsible, respectful and disciplined. Such characteristics, any family
could be proud of.
Our dad was a strict task master who loved, cherished
and encouraged us to aspire and aim for higher goals in life. He was
extremely fond of his four grandsons. But his family extended well beyond
to the family and children of his many friends who had passed away. He
felt a stewardship towards them that transcended several generations. How
fondly he is remembered and respected is now evident by the large number
of calls from across the globe that are being received by us at the
passing away of this noble soul.
We will miss our dad very much. So will many others for
whom he was a friend and a guardian angel.
The Late Air Cmde is survived by his wife Mrs
Bhagirathi Sitaram, son Ram Sitaram and daughter Meera. Ram And Meera
reside in the US. Mrs Bhagirathi Sitaram resides at 29, 2nd Main Defence Colony,
Indiranagar,
Bangalore 560038 (Phone : +91 80 25281539)
By
His Son
Ram Sitaram
Air Force Association (Karnataka Branch) offers its
heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Air Commodore was the
one of the oldest veterans of AFA (Karnataka Branch). We will miss his
guidance and encouragement which he gave copiously during his retirement.
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