Indian Air Force or the 'Bhartiya Vayu Sena' is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. It was officially established on October 8, 1932. In 2015, the Central Air Command will celebrate the 83rd anniversary of Indian Air Force with great enthusiasm and fervor at various Air Stations all over the country on October 8. Today, to honour our flying Wariors, we pay a tribute to them.
The Parade on Air Force Day
The Air Force Parade marks the beginning of the celebration on October 8. All Air Force stations conduct their respective parades at their air bases. The traditional military parade follows the same protocol.
The bugle is heralded and the parade is marched in from the right. The contingent is comprised of usually four squadrons of two flights each and is commanded by a Wing Commander. The parade is accompanied by a band that plays throughout the event. Once the parade marches in to the parade ground, it is customary for all attendees to rise in its honor and all uniformed air personnel will salute the parade.
The ‘Nishan Toli’ is carried by a lieutenant in the middle of the ground. The Nishan Toli is a flag which symbolizes the bravery, valor and commitment to mission, integrity and excellence of the Indian Air Force. It was first presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the country on April 1, 1954 to the IAF. Since, then this flag is most revered and is hoisted on important occasions.
The aircraft and helicopters deployed for various important missions like Operation Rahat and Operantion Meghdoot are exhibited. Along with these, the new aircrafts ready to launch for various missions are also exhibited, its features and its purpose explained.
Origin and History of Air Force Day
Since its inception in 1932,
the Indian Air Force has had a remarkable history of achievements.
Adhering to its primary purpose of securing the Indian airspace and
conducting aerial warfare during a conflict, the Indian Air Force has
been involved in four wars with Pakistan and one with China. It also
played an active role in World War II blocking the advance of the
Japanese army in Burma.
Other important operations include
Operation Vijay (to claim Goa), Operation Meghdoot (to capture Siachen
Glacier in the disputed Kashmir region), Operation Cactus (rescue
operation in the Maldives), Operation Poomalai (to air-drop supplies
over the besieged town of Jaffna in Sri Lanka) and Operation Rahat
(rescue and relief of people struck by the flash floods in Uttarakhand).
Apart from conflicts, the IAF has been instrument in the United Nations
Peacekeeping Missions as well.
Celebrations of Air Force Day
There is a meticulously conducted hollow square parade in which the Commander in Chief administers the oath of allegiance to all the air warriors as well as the civilian personnel for dedicating their lives to the larger and much greater cause of the nation. The wreath laying and the oath taking ceremony are usually the highlights of the celebrations which are conducted in full military traditions. This event marks the close of a week-long celebration organized in the run up to the Air Force day.
At the wreath laying ceremony, a tribute is paid to all the brave hearts of the Air Force who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. As the buglers play the ‘Last Post’ the guards solemnly stand at “reverse arms” and all attendees observe a two minute silence. At Amar Jawan Jyoti, in Delhi, homage is paid to the martyrs who gave away their life for the greater good. A floral reed is presented by the Chief of Air Force, Army and Navy.
Speaking on the occasion, each individual’s contribution in accomplishing successful missions and enabling the Central Air Command to demonstrate a high degree of operation preparedness and potential is praised. Various awards and medals of honor are presented to the air warriors in keeping with their achievements of the previous year.
The teams perform different feats in the air creating different formations. Dolphin leap is one of the manoeuvrs followed by a colorful display by other air-crafts and helicopters. The grand finale includes the passing through the tunnel of rotating rifles. It is called the Rifle Drill and requires intense mind-body co-ordination to perform it successfully.
In the evening, a “Social Evening” is organized which is graced by the senior dignitaries from the civil administration and armed forces and also by veteran Air Force officers.
Air Force Day Celebrations in Allahabad
In the event that was conducted in 2013 in Allahabad, the Air Officer Commander-in-Chief made a special mention of all the helicopters of Central Air Command deployed for accomplishing ‘Operation Rahat’ – a rescue mission to save lives and provide relief measures to the flood-stricken villages in Uttarakhand despite odds like harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain and almost non-existent landing infrastructure.
Even the families of air warriors were thanked for their unflinching support in trying times. On this occasion, messages of vote of thanks and appreciation from the President, Prime Minister, Vice President, Defense Minister and Chief of Air Staff are read aloud.
The week-long celebration also includes a cultural show, adventure and sport activities, high tea for civilian employees, airmen and veteran Air Force commanders. There is also an ‘At Home’ function organized for them.
Air Force Celebrations in Coimbatore
A year before the last in Coimbatore, at the Sulur Air Station, there was an Air Force display by the officers of Sanrang. They performed the rescue and relief operations undertaken by the Indian Air Force in times of natural and man-made calamities. The event served as a curtain raiser to the celebrations leading up to the Air Force Day.
Future of IAF
The Indian Air
Force has made a lot of technological advancements in the last few
years. New aircrafts and helicopters inducted during the event show the
progress and development in the field creating a new benchmark each time
in the history of the Indian Air Force.
There are numerous
efforts made to enhance public awareness about the capability of the
IAF, the number and variety of operations carried out by the same both
during war as well as peace time so as to encourage the youth to avail
of the career opportunities in the air force space.
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