Into the blue: IAF's finest take flight at Telangana's Dundigal

Time of India

15-06-2025

Indian Air Force Academy held a Combined Graduate Parade
HYDERABAD:
Operation Sindoor
stands as a shining testament to the unmatched professionalism of the
Indian Air Force
(IAF), where we demonstrated the ability to deliver swift, precise, and decisive blows to the enemy, said Air Chief Marshal AP Singh while addressing the graduating candidates at the Combined Graduate Parade (CGP) held at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, on Saturday.
'During Operation Sindoor, all three armed forces showcased exceptional operational combat and synergy. It also displayed the prowess of the Indian Air Force. As for the future of the air force, you must understand that the IAF has always been and will continue to be the first responder in times of national crisis,' said Singh. He also focused on the changing nature of warfare, stressing the growing importance of aerospace power in the modern battlefield.
Awarding of wings
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) reviewed the parade and conferred the President's Commission on a total of 254 flight cadets who graduated on Saturday, including 36 women officers from the flying and ground duty branches.
Apart from this, another nine officers from the Indian Navy, seven from the Indian Coast Guard, and one foreign trainee officer from the Vietnam People's Air Force were also awarded their 'wings' after the successful completion of their flying training.
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Undo
Flying Officer Rohan Krishnamurthi from the flying branch was awarded the President's Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit. Flying Officer Nishtha Vaid, from the ground duty branch, received the President's Plaque for topping her course.
After administering oaths to the graduating cadets during the commissioning ceremony, CAS Singh said, 'The battlespace of the future will be increasingly complex.
With the IAF transforming into a true aerospace force, many of you will be at the forefront of India's ventures into space. These challenges will demand total commitment, relentless focus, innovation, and a deep passion for your calling. Hence, you all should always focus on maintaining physical and mental fitness.
'
Breathtaking aerial show
The parade culminated with the newly commissioned officers marching out to the notes of martial marching tunes.
It was followed by a breathtaking aerial show by Akash Ganga and other units of the IAF. However, the highlight was the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) that performed synchronised aerobatics and thrilling maneuvers, including a 'V formation' symbolising victory for the graduating cadets, drawing loud cheers from the proud family members, officers, and other dignitaries.
BORN TO DON THE UNIFORM
Third-Generation Warrior
Flying Officer Ashish Madhwal from Dehradun is a third-gen defence lad.
'It's a moment of immense pride for my family. My father was a subedar in the army and my grandfather was in the paramilitary. The defence background inspired me,' he said after being commissioned into the transport wing of IAF. 'Being commissioned today is the culmination of a long-cherished dream,' said Ashish.
Love For The Uniform
Flying Officer Anjali, a first-gen officer from Gurgaon, Haryana, was on cloud nine after graduating with flying colours and is among the 36 women who completed their training.
'The training at AFA was intense and challenging, but I believe it shaped me into a stronger and more confident person,' she said. Anjali said that she always aspired to wear the navyblue uniform. She is joining the logistics branch of IAF.
From Sea To The Sky
Dhairya Sheel Gowli, an asst commandant in the Coast Guard, was conferred with the President's Commission after his aviation training with IAF in the helicopter branch. A native of Solapur, he was in the ICG for four years before switching to aviation.
His mother Subhadra said he stayed committed despite challenges. He is now ready to become a helicopter pilot.
Sainik School Saga
Rithwik Sagola from Mancherial was encouraged by his parents to join Sainik School. 'After I couldn't make it in Class 6, I tried again in Class 9 and made it on merit,' he said. 'After that, I always knew where I belonged.' While his elder brother is in IIT, Rithwik is ready to serve the nation by following his own path.
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