HYDERABAD: Total 114 flight cadets, including 21 women, of flying and ground duty branches in the Indian Air Force were commissioned in a combined graduation parade (CGP) held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal on Saturday.
The current course also happens to be the 100th batch to pass out from AFA, which will be celebrating its golden jubilee next year. On this occasion, six officers from the Indian Navy, five officers from the Indian Coast Guard and three officers from Friendly Foreign Countries (two from Vietnam and one from Nigeria) were also awarded wings on successful completion of flying training.
The parade began with the ‘pipping ceremony’ in which the graduating flight cadets were awarded their ‘stripes’ (Air Force rank) by the chief guest union defence minister Rajnath Singh following all the Covid-19 protocols. The newly commissioned officers were then administered the ‘oath’ by the commandant of the academy. The synchronized fly past during the ceremonial salute concluded with the ‘Antim Pag’ (last step).
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 bidding adieu to colleagues and comrades, acknowledging the first salute given to them by their immediate juniors.
Flying officer Ashish Khattri from the flying branch was awarded President’s Plaque and the chief of the air staff sword of honour for standing first in overall order of merit in the pilots’ course. Flying officer Yash Kshirsagar was awarded President’s Plaque for being first in overall order of merit in ground duty branches.
The event concluded with a spending air show wherein aerobatic display by the SU-30 aircraft, Surya Kiran aerobatic team, Sarang helicopter team, Pilatus PC-7 trainer and a fly past by formations of PC-7, Kiran and Hawk aircraft was presented.