President awards Standards and Colours to 51 Squadron, 230 Signal Unit

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 22

The Indian forces are committed to protecting the sovereignty of the nation, said President Ram Nath Kovind, while addressing the gathering at the Halwara Air Force Station, where he awarded prestigious President’s Standards to 51 Squadron and Colours to 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force on Thursday.

He said the Indian Air Force (IAF) had a valuable contribution to the history of the country. He claimed that India was becoming an economic power at present, but the nation was also determined for peace in the world.

The President said the 51 Squadron and the 230 Signal Units have distinguished themselves in the service to our nation. They have a rich history of professional excellence and have served India with honour and distinction, during peace and hostilities, he said, adding that it was a proud moment for him to honour the units for their dedication, professional conduct and courage. He complimented the personnel and families, past and present, of these units for their selfless sacrifice and service to the nation.

The President’s Standard was received by Group Captain Satish S Pawar, Commanding Officer of 51 Squadron and the Presidential Colours were received by Group Captain SK Tripathi, Station Commander of 230 Signal Unit. The President also released the first day cover of both units. He congratulated both units and complimented the personnel for excellent parade. The President’s Standard and Colours are the highest honour bestowed on units of the armed forces in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the security of the nation during peace and hostilities.

Scintillating daredevilry stunts by fighter jets

A parade was followed by a spectacular display of precision and daredevilry by the Air Warriors Drill Team. Thereafter, the fighter might of the Indian Air Force was displayed in a scintillating aerial display, with enthralling formation aerobatics by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and a heart-stopping low-level aerobatics display by Sukhoi-30 fighter jet.

IAF capable of carrying out surgical strike: Air Chief

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa said the Indian Air Force was capable of carrying out any kind of surgical strike in future if asked to do so and had strong, hi-tech mechanism than other countries. He ruled out that the jets and other equipment of China’s Air Force were out of Indian’s radar. He said the Indian government has been purchasing 40 Rafale fighter jets for the IAF, which would strengthen the force.

Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore, state Cabinet minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Raikot MLA Jagtar Singh Hissowal, Divisional Commissioner VK Meena, IGP Arpit Shukla, DIG GS Sandhu, Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Agrawal, SSP Surjeet Singh and others were present on the occasion.