Air Commodore Sarosh Jahangir Dastur was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in 1942. He saw active service during World War II. He attended Defence Services Staff College Course in 1954-55, and Imperial Defence College Course in 1968. He has held various staff and command appointments. As Officer Commanding of an Air Force Station during 1952-54, he distinguished himself by tackling and solving several intricate administrative problems of the unit. Later, as Chief Instructor in the Air Wing of the Defence Services Staff College, he brought about improvements in methods and syllabus and made the training of Air Wing Officers purposeful. During the Goa operations, as Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Poona, he was responsible for organising the Air Task Force in his sector. He activated additional early warning stations from the meagre resources at his command. As Director of Guided Weapons at Air Headquarters his work was of a very high order.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. May his grieving family overcome grief at this loss and recall with pride his good deeds, particularly after his formal retirement. These were in the true tradition of the Parsi community in India. A long life may not be full enough but a full life is long enough. Air Marshal Dastur had the best of both and left behind some wonderful memories and achievements.

Referred to as Dusty by his senior and contemporaneous, he was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Air Force on January 19, 1942. He had a fine career in the Indian Air Force. The citation (see below) for the award of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal explains some of his achievements.
He also ensured the rapid turn around of Marut aircraft after overhaul. However, despite this. the type was retired by IAF during his tenure, presumably due to the insurmountable difficulty in production of its spares..

Air Mshl Dastur's tenure in HAL was noteworthy for a number of important milestones. Perhaps the most important were the planning for the production of Jaguar aircraft in India, development of Kiran Mk II, HPT-32 Deepak trainer (which unfortunately had to be grounded due to engine problems with its American engine) and the Ajeet evolved by HAL from the Sabre Killer – Gnat - aircraft. 

He was the senior-most IAF officer in Bangalore for the last many years. He lived in the city for over thirty years from perhaps 1975 when he became Chairman HAL, a responsibility he carried for around five years. After retiring from HAL in 1980, he was actively involved in social work such as steering the Sheila Kothawala Institute for the Deaf via the Deaf Aid Society, of which he was the head. He also looked after the Cheshire Home Bangalore for a considerable time.
We sadly announce the passing away in Bangalore of Air Marshal Sarosh Jehangir Dastur AVSM on January 22, 2012.  

I grieve for this very fine and percipient man. RIP!