IAF inducts another batch of young leaders

Grand ceremony held at Air Force Academy

A
Combined Graduation Parade was held at Air Force Academy, Dundigal on 21st
December 2019 marked the successful culmination of training for 127 Flight
Cadets of Flying and Ground duty branches of the IAF. 

The Chief
of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC was the
Reviewing Officer of the Combined Graduation Parade, where he conferred the
'President's Commission'  on the graduating Flight Cadets who successfully
completed their professional training. Twenty one women officers joined the
growing number of women in the IAF.  

On this
day the President's Commission is formally conferred on these young and tough
air warriors after a long period of rigorous training. The graduation ceremony
was undertaken through a smart parade and administration of Oath.  The
parade commenced with the flag bearing skydivers of the famous Akash Ganga
team, spreading the tricolor over the blue skies of Dundigal. The Air Warrior
Drill Team once again put up a sharp synchronized performance, delighting the
spectators with their handling of weapons.  The event was witnessed by the
proud family members and friends of passing-out cadets. Several senior serving
and retired officers from the three services were present. 

The
Reviewing Officer was received by Air Marshal AS Butola, Air Officer
Commanding-in-Chief Training Command and Air Marshal J Chalapati, Commandant
Air Force Academy. The Reviewing Officer was presented with a ceremonial Salute
by the Parade followed by an impressive March Past.  The highlight of the
Parade was the 'Pipping Ceremony', where the Flight Cadets were awarded their
'Stripes' (Air Force rank) by the Chief Guest. They were then administered the
'Oath' by the Commandant of the Academy in the presence of the Reviewing
Officer and other dignitaries.

After the
'Pipping Ceremony' the Reviewing Officer gave away awards to the Flying
Officers who excelled in various disciplines of training. Flying Officer
Arunabha Chakraborty from the Flying Branch was awarded the 'Sword of Honour'
and President's Plaque for standing First in Overall Merit in the Pilots'
Course. Flying Officer Aayush Pandey and Flying Officer Purnendu Kumar Singh
were awarded President's Plaque for being first in Overall Merit in Navigation
and Ground Duty branches respectively.

Later, addressing
the Parade, the Reviewing Officer complimented the newly Commissioned 'Flying
Officers' for their immaculate turn out, precise drill movements and high
standards of parade. Congratulating the passing-out cadets, the Chief of the
Air Staff said, "It is a matter of great pride for me to witness this momentous
occasion of the Combined Graduation Parade of the Indian Air Force". He
emphasized in his address the importance of core values of the Indian Air Force
namely, Mission, Integrity and Excellence and exhorted the newly commissioned
officers to uphold these values in professional as well as personal lives. On
this occasion, he also conveyed his congratulations to all the proud parents
who supported their wards and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. 

Aerobatic
displays by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and Sarang, the Helicopter
Display Team held the audience spellbound with their gaze fixed upwards
watching a painting being created right in front of their eyes. An impressive
flying display by the Pilatus PC-7 trainer aircraft added to the ceremonial
setting of the occasion. 

The grand
ceremony culminated with the newly Commissioned Officers marching-out in two
columns in slow march to the traditional notes of  'Auld Lang Syne' (the
poignant farewell tune played by Armed Forces of the world when bidding adieu
to colleagues and comrades), acknowledging the first salute given to them by
their immediate juniors. They marched in step past the reviewing officer with
synchronous strides. The newly commissioned officers passed through the portals
from where the best Pilots and Ground Duty Officers of IAF have begun their
journey to take-on the future assignments and challenges. An unflinching
determination was visible in the eyes of the young officers to surmount the
challenges and to 'Touch the Sky with Glory'.