Vijay Karnik is a retired Indian Air Force officer who served IAF from 1962 to 1986. He was born and raised in Maharashtra to a Marathi Ksatriya family. Belonging from a government officer’s family, Vijay Kumar was a bright kid since childhood. IAF Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Karnik played a significant role in reconstructing the Bhuj Airforce base during the Indo-Pak war 1971.

Well, in this article, we are going to show you all about Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik’s Wikipedia and story of the war. So, let us have a look at his personal life and professional career.
Vijay Karnik Age
He was born on 6 November 1939 in Nagpur city, Maharashtra, India. Vijay Karnik’s age is 80 years. In addition, he lives post-retirement life in his hometown city Nagpur.
Vijay Karnik Wiki
Vijay Kumar Karnik is a retired Indian Air Force officer. He belongs to a Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu family background.
Since childhood, Vijay had a deep interest in serving the Indian national army. He loves to read war-time movies and philosophies during college time.
Post-graduation in Science, Vijay Kumar Karnik cleared the National Defence Academy examination. As a result, he recruits at the academy located at Khadakwasla in Pune.

Officer Vijay Kumar commissioned in the Air Force in May 1962. Since then, he continues to rise as a leader and leads officials from the front.
During the Indo-Pak 1971 War, Squadron Leader Vijay Kumar Karnik appointed as a base commander at the Bhuj Airport.
However, the Pak Air Force started to counter Bhuj Airport for 15 days and destroyed brutally. At that time, commander Vijay Karnik planned to gather 300 local women and started to re-construct the base. He managed to keep airbase operational throughout the war.
On 14 October 1986, Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Karnik retired from his service from Indian Air Force. Retired IAF officer Vijay Kumar Karnik is a big supporter of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.
Vijay Karnik Biography
Well, here is all in short about Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Karnik’s personal life. Let us have a look at the table.
Vijay Karnik Wiki | |
Full Name | Vijay Kumar Karnik |
Birth Date | 6 November 1939 |
Age | 80 Years |
Birth Place | Nagpur, Maharashtra, India |
Lives in | Nagpur |
Profession | Retired IAF Officer |
Army Training | NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune |
Service Year | 26 May 1962 - 14 Oct 1986 |
Officer Rank | Wing Commander |
Nationality | Indian |
Caste | Religion | Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu, Hindu |
Hobbies | Golfing, Reading |
Famous For | Indo-Pak War Hero |
Income | N/A |
Net Worth | Under Review |
Physical Appearance | |
Height | In Feet: 6.0 F In Meter: 1.83 M |
Weight | 80 Kg 176 LBS |
Figure Measurement | Chest: 44 Inches Biceps: 14 Inches |
Figure Type | Rhomboid Muscular |
Tattoo | N/A |
Family, Parents, Education | |
Father Name | Late Srinivas Karnik(Government Officer) |
Mother Name | Tarabai Karnik |
Brothers | Ajay Karnik(Air Marshal) Vinod Karnik(Army Major General) Laxman Karnik(Wing Commander) |
Sister Name | Vasanti Karnik |
College | Nagpur University |
Educational Qualification | Bachelor's in Science |
Wife and Daughter | |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife Name | Usha Karnik |
Marriage Date and Place | 20 February 1965 |
Children | Daughter: Shalakaa Karnik Son: Paresh Karnik |
Favorite Things | |
Favorite Things to Do | Traveling |
Favorite Sports | Golf, Cricket |
Favorite Politician | Narendra Modi |
Favorite Army Personal | Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw |
Family Background
Vijay Kumar was born in Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu Ksatriya family. His father late Srinivas Karnik was a government officer. And, his mother’s name is Tarabai Karnik.
Wing Commander Vijay has four siblings including three brothers and a sister. Vijay’s brothers Ajay Karnik is a retired Air Marshal, Vinod Karnik is retired major general, and Laxman Karnik who served IAF as the wing commander.

Vijay Kumar studies his schooling from his Nagpur city. He completed his bachelor’s degree in science from Nagpur University.
Vijay Kumar Karnik Wife and Children
On 25 February 1965, Vijay Kumar Karnik married to Usha Karnik. Vijay Kumar and his wife Usha Karnik blessed with a daughter named Shalakaa Karnik and son named Paresh Karnik.
His daughter Shalakaa is a theater artist and runs a theater group. And, his son Paresh is professional in media and works with The Times Group.
Vijay Karnik’s Air Force Career
Vijay Kumar joined the Indian Air Force on 26 May 1962. Air Force officer Vijay Kumar appointed as a squadron leader and fought the Indo-China War in 1962.
Furthermore, he fought the Indo-Pak War in 1965. On 14 October 1986, Wing Commander Vijay Kumar Karnik retired from his service.
Bhuj: The Pride of India, Vijay Kumar Karnik’s Story
In 1971, he commissioned by IAF to Bhuj Airbase as a base commander. With his passion for nation and prominent work ethics, captain Vijay Kumar leads Bhuj airbase from the front during wartime.
During Indo-Pak War 1971, commander Vijay Kumar Karnik leads IAF from the front and managed Bhuj Airbase to remain operational.

However, the Pakistan Air Force counters Bhuj Airport for 15 days continues and raided with bombs and missiles. At that time, the commander needs a solid backup force that they hadn’t.
The Bhuj Air station was brutally destroyed by Pakistan Air Force. At that time, commander Vijay has to reinstatement the base without any casualties.
Vijay Kumar Karnik gathered 300 local women from a nearby village named Madhapar. With 100 Air Force personal and 300 women, base commander Vijay successfully managed to keep airbase functioning.
With the great victory, Pakistan Eastern Command surrendered with about 90,000 Pakistani prisoner of war.
To recall India’s heroes behind great victory, film director Abhishek Dudhaiya directed a film titled Bhuj: The Pride of India starring Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt, and Rana Daggubati.
All in One About Vijay Karnik IAF Story
- Vijay was born and raised in Nagpur city to a Marathi family.
- Since childhood, he had a deep interest in serving the Indian Air Force.
- He cleared NDA examination and recruits at the academy for professional training before commissioned.
- In 1962, Air Force Officer Vijay Kumar joined the IAF.
- On 1st October 1985, he promoted as the Wing Commander.
- Commander Vijay is known for his bravery and well management.
- On 14 October 1986, he retired from IAF service.
- He loves to play golf and joined Lion’s Golf Club.
- He always praises philosophy in Army and supports Army Cheif Manoj Narawane.
So, that’s all about IAF Vijay Karnik’s story. Let us know your favorite Indian Army Personal’s name in the comment box.