Rajnath Singh reviews Combined Graduation Parade, 213 Flight Cadets get wings at AFA Dundigal

HYDERABAD: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called upon the newly commissioned Indian Air Force Pilots and Ground duty officers not to lose their openness towards new ideas, innovative thinking, and idealism.

Addressing the young officers at the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at the Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal on Sunday, Rajnath Singh said: “Strike a balance between tradition and innovation to keep pace with constantly-evolving times.”

He congratulated the newly commissioned officers and complimented them for their immaculate turnout, precise drill movements, and high standards of parade. He exhorted the officers to give due importance to tradition in the Armed Forces, terming it as time-tested; but pointed out that if tradition is followed for a long time without thinking, then a state of “inertia or ossification” occurs in the system.

He asked them to avoid this situation and keep pace with the constantly evolving times because there was a need to innovate. “If we follow only tradition, we will be like a dead lake. We need to be like a flowing river. For that, we will have to bring in innovation along with tradition. Keep flying and touch greater heights, but maintain your connection with the ground,” he said.

Earlier Rajnath Singh reviewed the parade and also conferred the President's Commission on the graduating Flight Cadets. The graduating officers included 25 women who were commissioned in various branches of the IAF. Eight officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard, and two from friendly countries were also awarded ‘Wings’ after completing their flying training.

Earlier, the Defence Minister was received by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. He was presented with a General Salute by the parade followed by an impressive march past. The highlight of the parade was the 'Commissioning Ceremony' in which graduating Flight Cadets were awarded their 'Stripes' by Rajnath Singh.

The graduating officers were then administered the 'Oath' by the Commandant of the Academy. The CGP was interspersed by a synchronised fly-past by trainer aircraft that comprised Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, and Kiran, along with Chetak helicopters.

Rajnath Singh also bestowed various awards on trainees who excelled in various disciplines of training. Flying Officer Atul Prakash from the flying branch was awarded the President's Plaque and Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit in the pilots' course. Flying Officer Amrinder Jeet Singh was awarded the President's Plaque for standing first in the overall order of merit amongst the ground duty branches.

The Parade culminated with the newly commissioned officers marching out in two columns in slow march to the notes of Rabindranath Tagore's 'Anandaloke'. An enthralling aerobatic show by Su-30MKI, and synchronous aerobatics by the helicopter display team 'Sarang', and 'SuryaKiran’ Aerobatic Team marked the grand finale of the CGP.

In all 213 Flight Cadets, including 25 women, were commissioned into various branches of the IAF upon completion of their training