185 flight cadets, including 21 women, inducted into IAF

Hyderabad: As many as 21 women are among the 185 flight cadets joined the fraternity of the Indian Air Force on Saturday, after completion of their successful one year rigorous training in different branches.

At an impressive combined graduation parade held at the Air Force Academy,  Dundigal near Hyderabad, Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh presented the Commission to them, on behalf of the President of India.

Besides 4 Indian Navy officers and 1 Indian Coast Guard officer were also awarded flying brevet on the the occasion. The passing out parade was culmination of the completion of  the one year rigorous training of the cadets in different branches at Air Force Academy, Air Force Administrative College, Coimbatore, Air Force Stations at Hamikpet and Begumpet.

 Addressing the cadets after reviewing the parade, the Army Chief called upon them to continue to work hard and create their own professional qualities with confidence, courage, integrity and compassion, make them good leader.  He hoped that the newly commissioned cadets will perform their  duties well and bring glory to the service and motherland. He said that the ascendancy of Air Power has been amply displayed in recent wars and inter-service cooperation will continue to remain a key element in future operations.

He told the cadets, "You are going to join a elite force that is going to play a major role in future conflicts.  There can be nothing more satisfying than participating in the defence of our own country".

General Bikram Singh was received by the Air Marshal Rajinder Singh, AOC-in-C Training Command and Air Marshal RG Burli, Commandant , Air Force Academy.

General Bikram Singh presented 'President's Plaque and Chief of Air Staff''s 'Sword of Honour' to flying officer Amandeep Arey, Commander of the parade, for standing firsing in overall order of merit in the pilots course. Flying officer Ravi Ranjan and flying officer Anshu Kumar Singh were awarded 'President's Plaque' for standing first in overall order of merit in ground duty and navigation branches respectively.

Traditional fly past by Kiran, Hawk, newly inducted Pilatus aircrafts and Chetak helicopters, while An-32 and Dornier aircrafts flew the crisp “Small Boy” formation kept the audience spell bound.  An exhilarating low level aerobatic display by Su-30 aircraft, kept Parade spectators enthralled.  A breath taking performance by Akash Ganga Para Jump Team & Air Warrior Drill Team was appreciated by one and all.  

On the penultimate night, the Army Chief attended as chief guest a ceremonial guest night with passing out flight cadets and their parents wherein he presented trophies and medals to cadets, excelled in their respective branches.