Debananda Gohain, a retired fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF) who hails from Assam has an amazing collection of paintings and is an excellent artist.
He retired from Air Force in 2004, in the rank of Group Captain.
An alumnus of Sainik School, Goalpara and the National Defence Academy (NDA), he has now launched his own website https://www.debgohain.com/ which is a treasure trove of all his artworks over the years.
He pursued his hobby as a passion and has taken part in a number of group exhibitions in and around Guwahati.
His work on Flying Officer Utpal Barbara’s photo-reconnaisance mission in 1965 that got Barbara a Vir Chakra can be seen in EAC Museum at Shillong.
Utpal Barbara undertook a dangerous mission by putting his life at risk and collected evidence on the use of weaponry by the armed forces of Pakistan. The photographic evidence of Barbara gave a record of the American weapons used by the Pakistan armed forces while fighting against Indians.
Apart from that, his paintings also adorn ante rooms of several officers mess in IAF.
Gohain was commissioned in the fighter stream of 110 Pilots Course on 2 June 1973. He has a record 3000 flying hours on the Gnat, Hunter and MiG- 21 aircraft as a combat fighter pilot.
Gohain, inclination towards art started since his childhood. He also took part in art exhibitions after retiring from the IAF in May 2004.
His paintings have also found a place in various establishments. like HQ EAC museum, HQ SWAC, Air Force Station, Jamnagar and at Vayu Bhavan.
Currently settled in Guwahati, he is also an avid photographer.