It was a moment of pride for about 221 cadets, including 31 women, who graduated out of Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, on Saturday.
After a hectic training schedule, the cadets joined the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers during the Combined Graduation Parade held at AFA.
Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral D. K Joshi, presided over the parade and formally inducted the cadets into mainstream. Cadets from different streams underwent basic and professional training at various Air Force Training establishments like Air Force Administrative College, Coimbatore, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, AFS Hakimpet, AFS Yelahanka and AFS Begumpet.
Farooq Ahmed, a parent who came all the way from Jammu and Kashmir was quite elated after seeing his son getting into the ranks. Mr. Ahmed works as a police official in Kashmir. “I always wanted my children to serve the nation. Today I am very happy over his achievement,” he said. A joyous mood prevailed all through. Parents and relatives of the cadets watched as their dear ones were formally being inducted into the Indian Air Force.
Retired Group Captain, D.K Tanwar was proud of his daughter, Yaunika Tanwar, a post graduate. “It was her decision and I supported her. I am happy that my family continues to serve the nation,” said Mr. Tanwar.
The President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour, was awarded to Ankit Goel.
Mayuri Chopra was awarded the President’s plaque while Vijay Patil bagged President’s plaque for over all order of merit in Navigation branch.
A traditional flypast by Hawk, AN-32, Dornier and Kiran aircraft drew a huge applause from the audience. The low-level aerobatic display of the Su-30 was highly appreciated.
Speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony, Air Marshal Rajinder Singh, AOCT in C Training Command, said that 14 PC-7 basic trainer aircraft would be inducted for training purpose by July and the Tejas aircraft by December next year.
