Profile

Air Marshal Denzil Keelor studied in St. George’s College, Mussouree and La Martiniere College, Lucknow before joining the Indian Air Force in 1953 as a fighter pilot. He has had a brilliant career during which he distinguished himself as an exceptional Fighter pilot and leader, and held key Operational and Staff assignments.

During his career, Air Marshal Keelor participated in all wars and Air operations viz. Nagaland, Goa, the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan, and headed the planning and execution operations in Sri Lanka, Male etc. He was wounded in battle, baled out of the aircraft twice, brought back seriously damaged aircraft thrice, lost his canopy and suffered from serious decompression, but flew his damaged aircraft back to Base twice and having survived all this rose to the rank of an Air Marshal and served as the Inspector General before retiring in 1991. He earned recognition for gallantry and distinguished service of an exceptional order, receiving four Presidential awards from four consecutive Presidents of India, Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM), Kirti Chakra (KC), Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vir Chakra (VrC) and four commendations from of the Chief of Air Staff, thus making him the highest decorated officer in the country.

In 1991, he retired from the Indian Air Force and joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation as an Advisor. During this period, Air Marshal Keelor set up the Flight Inspection System for the Civil Aviation Industry and was commended for his work by ICAO.

In 2003, when the world celebrated the First Hundred Years of Aviation, the Keelor Brothers were honoured and awarded ‘The Wings of History’ for their outstanding contribution to aviation.
Air Marshal Keelor is a well known and popular figure in the aviation world. He is highly respected and revered for his experience, result oriented performance and

professional leadership. He is a man of integrity and character and is forthright in his convictions. His record, experience and success has been excellent, and today he is one of the most experienced aviators in the country.

Air Marshal Keelor is currently the Chairman of Special Olympics Bharat. Special Olympics Bharat runs a free program, providing sports opportunities and training for over 500,000 intellectually disabled (mentally Challenged) children. In 2004, he received an award from Special Olympics International for his leadership and efforts to reach out to over 450,000 Special Children.

In October 2005, at a meeting of the heads of Anglo Indian Schools in Bangalore, he received special recognition for his services to the country and received ”The Pride of the Community Award” for doing the Community and Country proud, as an Officer, a Gentleman and a War Hero.

In October 2007, at the World Summer Games in Shanghai, a special ceremony was held where he received the “Special Spirit of China Award of Excellence”, along with world leaders Nelson Mandela, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vanessa Williams, Quincy Jones, Nadia Comaneci and distinguished personalities, in recognition of his outstanding commitment and unique contribution to the Special Olympics Movement. .

He is also the Chairman of the Institute of Management Education, Sahibabad (near Delhi), and Literacy India, an NGO providing free education and vocational training to over 450 children and women from the backward sections of our society, and is also the Director of the Shanti Avedna Sadan, a hospice for the terminally-ill cancer patients. He is also a Chairman / Director in several Aviation and Engineering Companies where he personally directs the ISO / TS 16949 Quality Programs.

Air Marshal Keelor is associated with a wide variety of social and cultural organisations and is deeply committed to the uplift of people from the backward sections of our society.