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Cancer-stricken boy fulfils dream of becoming a fighter pilot

Last updated on: November 14, 2014 12:47 IST

For Chandan, Thursday is going to be a day he will never forget.

On the occasion of his 14th birthday, he got a gift of a lifetime when he became an Indian Air Force fighter pilot for a day. 

14-year-old Chandan sits in the cockpit of a fighter jet. Photograph: Uday Foundation/Facebook
 

The teenager who is fighting against bone cancer always dreamt of being a fighter pilot but his dreams were dashed when he was made aware of his diagnosis.

On Thursday, however, he lived out his dream with the help of Delhi-based NGO Uday Foundation and the Indian Air Force. 

Chandan spent an entire day at the Ambala Air Force Station. Photograph: Uday Foundation/Facebook
 

As a part of his gift, he was made to wear the full uniform, reported to the base chief at the Ambala Air Force station, took lessons in a simulator and then moved on to a real cockpit.

At the end of the day, he was awarded a flight certificate. He also visited the IAF's war memorial and museum.

Chandan lays a wreath at the war memorial and honours the fallen soldiers. Photograph: Uday Foundation/Facebook
 

The soldiers at the base commended Chandan on his battle and said that they were amazed at his zest for life and how he’s fighting for his life. 

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