Yesterday was October 8, the raising day of the Indian Air Force, a jewel among the armed forces of the country. A day that is celebrated each year with an amazing display of daredevil acrobatics performed by the brave pilots of the IAF. To these warriors, I raise my hand in salute.
As a civilian, I have always been overawed by the armed forces,, especially the Air Force. Seeing jets fly across the sky on every Republic Day and Air Force Day teases the imagination and compels one to fly alongside in a daydream as winds rush past and the aircrafts turn circles. It is a reverie that has kindled patriotic ambitions in the kids of the nation since the introduction of the IAF. A few of them have gone ahead and today serve the nation as proud members of the IAF. To these bravehearts, I raise my hand in salute.
A report released in 2015 states that the IAF has the fourth largest active fleet in the world comprising of combat aircraft, transport aircraft, training aircraft, helicopters etc. A fleet tasked with the mission to defend each and every inch of the 3.28 million sq. km of Indian territory. It is the presence of this impregnable line of defense that allows us to feel safe in a land that is constantly under a threat of attack from external forces. It is this might that holds them at bay and it is this factor that fills us with pride and awe as we witness the sacrifices of the IAF members. To those on a constant vigil, I raise my hand in salute.
Since its inception in the pre-Independence era, the Royal IAF (then) and the IAF (since 1950) have contributed successfully to many victories in the battlefield. From stopping the Japanese in their advances during World War II in Burma to the Kargil War, the IAF has been instrumental in turning the tide against the aggressors. Not only domestic security, but the participation in UN missions is another badge of honour for the IAF, To those who have laid down their lives for the nation, I raise my hand in salute.
In recent years, the most promising development has been the increasing role of women in the IAF. Active participation in rescue missions during the latest disasters proves their mettle and shows that they are second to none. To these women of steel, I raise my hand in salute.
Fly brave warriors , fly high
Touch the zenith as you beat the clouds
Show your valour, conquer the sky
Hold the enemy, fulfil your words avowed
The nation, the mother-as you defend
We salute you, O lion-heart
Be the protectors, the foe's dreaded end
O immortal souls, script your glorious part!
Best wishes to the nation and the IAF on this Air Force Day!
Jai Hind!
Note:I do not hold the rights to the above image and it has been sourced from Indian Air Force Official Website : Photo Gallery
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