New Delhi: In an inspiring letter written to his alma mater Group Captain Varun Singh shared a strong message to students saying "it's ok to be mediocre."
In his letter to the principal of the Army Public School in Chandimandir, Singh wrote, "It is ok to be mediocre. Not everyone will excel at school and not everyone will be able to score in the 90s. If you do, it's an amazing achievement and must be applauded."
In August, Singh was conferred with the Shaurya Chakra for preventing a possible mid-air accident after his Tejas light combat aircraft suffered a major technical glitch last year.
"However, if you don't, do not think that you are meant to be mediocre. You may be mediocre in school but it is by no means a measure of things to come in life. Find your calling, it could be art, music, graphic design, literature, etc."
Whatever you work towards, be dedicated, do your best. Never go to bed thinking I could have put in more effort," he added, as per the news agency PTI report.
In the message written in September, the officer mentioned that he was an average student and barely scored first division in 12th standard, but was intrigued by airplanes and aviation.
"I write to you filled with a sense of pride and humility. On August 15 this year, I have been awarded Shaurya Chakra by the President of India in recognition of an act of gallantry on October 12, 2020," he said.
"I credit this prestigious award to all those I have been associated with over the years in school, NDA, and thereafter the Air Force, as I firmly believe that my actions that day were a result of the grooming and mentoring by my teachers, instructors, and peers over the years," Group Captain Singh wrote in the letter dated September 18.
While stating that he was not trying to boast about himself or writing with a desire to seek a pat on the back but wanted to share the message with children and share a few of his life's experiences that may help them in the future.
"I was a very average student who barely scored first division in 12 class. Even though I was made the Discipline Prefect in 12th I was equally average even in sports and other co-curricular activities. But I had a passion for airplanes and aviation," he wrote.
Group Captain Singh was on board the Russian-made chopper as the liaison officer for the visit of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.
Singh, who survived the CDS Rawat Chopper crash for a week, was being treated at a military hospital in Bengaluru. He was pronounced dead by IAF on Wednesday, December 15.