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Class 8- Chapter - 2: You Think It'll Never Happen to You

You Think It’ll Never Happen to You by Shiv Aroor & Rahul Singh (Summary Only For Reading)

The story “You Think It'll Never Happen to You” is about Squadron Leader Rijul Sharma, an Indian Air Force pilot, and his terrifying experience while flying a MiG-29 fighter jet. Sharma had been flying jets for years, inspired by his father, who was also a pilot during the Kargil conflict. On a June morning in 2016, Sharma was testing the MiG-29 to check if it could handle its physical limits

During the flight, everything seemed normal as he took the aircraft to high altitudes and increased its speed to supersonic levels. Suddenly, Sharma heard an unusual whistling sound. Looking up, he was shocked to see that the glass canopy over his cockpit had shattered. Part of the glass flew into the cockpit, hitting his shoulder, causing severe pain. With the canopy gone, Sharma was exposed to strong winds, freezing temperatures, and incredible pressure, making it hard for him to move and think clearly.

Despite the dangerous situation, Sharma used his training and experience to take control of the aircraft. He slowed down and descended to a safer altitude, but the pain in his shoulder made it difficult for him to use his right hand. He attempted to contact ground control but struggled to hear anything due to the noise and wind. Still, he decided to stay with the jet instead of ejecting, hoping he could land it safely.

As he approached the airbase, the turbulence worsened, and the cold made him numb, but Sharma stayed focussed. Finally, he managed to land the jet safely, despite all the challenges. He was rushed to the hospital and treated for his injuries. Just a week later, he was back flying again, showing his dedication and courage.

Sharma’s bravery didn’t go unnoticed, and he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry in 2017. His message to aspiring pilots was simple: training is everything, and no matter the challenge, you must rely on your skills to overcome it. His experience showed that even in the face of extreme danger, staying calm and focussed can save lives and valuable equipment.

Notebook Work

Background of the Story - The story You Think It’ll Never Happen to You by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh is based on the real-life experience of Rijul Sharma, a brave pilot in the Indian Air Force. The story describes a dangerous incident that happened in June 2016 while Sharma was flying a MiG-29 fighter jet during a test flight.

The authors show how highly trained Air Force pilots handle life-threatening situations with courage, discipline, and presence of mind. The story also highlights the risks faced by fighter pilots and the importance of training, confidence, and quick decision-making in emergencies. Sharma’s successful landing of the damaged aircraft made him a symbol of bravery, and he was later awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for gallantry.

Summary in Points 

  1. The story is about Rijul Sharma, an Indian Air Force pilot flying a MiG-29 fighter jet.

  2. Sharma was inspired by his father, who was also a pilot during the Kargil War.

  3. In June 2016, Sharma was testing the MiG-29 to check its performance at extreme limits.

  4. During the flight, the cockpit canopy suddenly shattered at supersonic speed.

  5. Broken glass hit Sharma’s shoulder, causing severe pain and injury.

  6. Without the canopy, he faced freezing temperatures, strong winds, and heavy air pressure.

  7. Despite the danger, Sharma remained calm and relied on his training.

  8. He slowed the aircraft and descended to a safer altitude.

  9. Because of the noise and pain, communication with ground control became difficult.

  10. Instead of ejecting, Sharma decided to try landing the aircraft safely.

  11. Even with turbulence, numbness, and injury, he stayed focused.

  12. He successfully landed the MiG-29 and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

  13. Only a week later, Sharma returned to flying duties.

  14. In 2017, he received the Vayu Sena Medal for his bravery.

  15. The story highlights courage, discipline, and the importance of training in overcoming dangerous situations.

Flow Chart of the Story

Rijul Sharma goes for a MiG-29 test flight
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Aircraft reaches high altitude and supersonic speed
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Cockpit canopy suddenly shatters
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Glass pieces injure Sharma’s shoulder
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Pilot faces freezing wind, pressure, and loud noise
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Sharma remains calm and uses his training
↓
He slows the aircraft and descends
↓
Communication with ground control becomes difficult
↓
Sharma decides not to eject from the jet
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He carefully approaches the airbase for landing
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Successfully lands the damaged aircraft safely
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Receives medical treatment and recovers
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Awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for bravery

 Literary Analysis

Central Idea: The story highlights the courage, skill, and mental strength of an Indian Air Force pilot who survives a life-threatening in-flight emergency and safely lands his aircraft despite severe physical and environmental challenges.

Themes:

1. Bravery and Heroism: The story showcases the fearless attitude of a fighter pilot in the face of near-certain danger.

2. Discipline and Training: Emphasizes the importance of rigorous military training in surviving emergencies.

3. Patriotism and Duty: Reflects a soldier’s dedication to his country and his mission.

4. Resilience in Crisis: Demonstrates the power of mental strength and focus in extreme situations.

Message: Proper training, calmness under pressure, and unwavering determination can help overcome even the most life-threatening challenges. Preparation and mental control are key to survival and success.

Characters:

1. Squadron Leader Rijul Sharma: A brave and highly trained Indian Air Force pilot, inspired by his father's legacy, who displays exceptional courage during a mid-air emergency.

2. Sharma's Father (mentioned): A source of inspiration; a former pilot who served during the Kargil conflict.

Setting:

1.Time: June 2016

2. Place: In the skies during a test flight in a MiG-29 jet, and later at the airbase

3. Backdrop: Indian Air Force training and operational environment

Perspective: Third-person narrative focused closely on the thoughts, actions, and emotions of Squadron Leader Rijul Sharma, giving insight into his experience during the crisis.

Title Justification: “You Think It’ll Never Happen to You” reflects the unexpected nature of real danger that can strike even the most experienced professionals. It captures the shock and disbelief that comes with sudden crisis, and the realization that emergencies can happen to anyone at any time.

Tone: Serious, tense, respectful, and inspirational.

Mood: Suspenseful and gripping during the flight emergency; transforms into a mood of admiration and relief as the pilot overcomes the crisis.

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