LG asks youth to work towards nation building
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Sept 26: Under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ the Indian Air Force Station Srinagar today held a grand Air Show over the scenic Dal lake here which was attended by scores of people particularly the students who were enthralled at the display of the varied range of aircraft in the sky.
The event was a first-of-its-kind aerial display conducted by IAF after a gap of 13 years in Srinagar, while a Defence PRO said that the air display was specially tailored for the young audience.
On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was the chief guest at this event, while as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief HQ Western Air Command Air Marshal BR Krishna, was the senior-most IAF officer and the chief host.
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The show commenced with the para-motor and para-hang glider displays, followed by the MiG 21 Bisons flying by in a triangular 3 Aircraft formation.
The IAF skydiving team ‘Akashganga’ also enthralled the audience as they jumped from a Mi 17 helicopter over the iconic Dal lake which was followed by the Su-30 MKI showcasing its manoeuvrability with a Low-Level Aerobatic Display.
The star attraction of the event was the ‘Suryakiran Aerobatic Display Team’ or SKAT, also known as ‘Ambassadors of IAF’. “The team has the distinction of being one amongst nine aircraft formation teams in the world,” the Defence PRO said.
Addressing the gathering at SKICC, the LG saluted the courage and valour of IAF personnel and paid tributes to the martyrs of the Air Force who made supreme sacrifices in the line of duty.
“Youth must take inspiration from our brave hearts, and discharge their social, moral duties with great responsibility and renew their resolve towards nation-building,” he said.
He called upon the youth of J&K to join the Indian Air Force to give wings to their dreams. The LG on the occasion underlined the need to encourage young minds to innovate and lead the way in technology.
“Apart from value-based education; financial, scientific and technological knowledge, youth are the key drivers to move ahead on the path of development,” he said.
Sinha also made mention of girls from Kashmir who are becoming a part of the Aviation sector. “The Air Force is ready to realise the dreams of girls and youth and I want you to commit yourself for the service of the nation,” he said. He also mentioned the successful candidates from J&K who passed the UPSC exam.
The Air Show was organised in collaboration with J&K Govt and was witnessed from the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre.
During the show, flying the highly versatile Hawks manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, SKAT set hearts racing with their synchronized aerial ballet in the sky; while the Manoeuvres by Chinook heavy-lift helicopter culminated the show.
On the occasion, the symphony orchestra of IAF added glitter to the event. With the event, coined as ‘Give Wings to Your Dreams’ Air Show, the IAF said that it hopes to enthuse and inspire the youth, whilst reiterating its commitment towards nation-building.
A photo exhibition at the venue was also organized which highlighted the history of IAF, while interactive quizzes were also organized at the venue to promote awareness of career opportunities in IAF.
“One of the biggest takeaways from the event was its outreach as the show witnessed a footfall of 10000 people including 5000 students from local schools,” the Defence PRO said.
The event was also attended by Justice Pankaj Mithal, Chief Justice, J&K High Court; Lt Gen YK Joshi, Northern Army Commander; Kewal Kumar Sharma, State Election Commissioner; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar and Baseer Ahmad Khan -Advisors to Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dilbag Singh, DGP; Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC 15 Corps; Air Marshal BR Krishna and Air Marshal Vikram Singh
Dr Farooq Abdullah, Member Parliament; Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioner; IGP Kashmir; PRI & ULB representatives; senior officers of Police, security forces & civil administration were also present at the aerial display by IAF.
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