On December 17, 2023, a momentous Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) marked the culmination of training for 213 Flight Cadets from the flying and ground duty branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Telangana. The parade, reviewing the graduating officers, was presided over by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who also conferred the President’s Commission on the Flight Cadets.
Among the graduating officers were 25 women commissioned into various branches of the IAF. Additionally, eight officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard, and two from friendly nations were awarded ‘Wings’ following the completion of their flying training.
In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the newly commissioned officers, praising their immaculate turnout, precise drill movements, and high parade standards. He emphasized the importance of openness to new ideas and innovation while urging the officers to strike a balance between tradition and innovation, describing it as extremely crucial for the constantly evolving Armed Forces.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the need to avoid “inertia or ossification” in the system by promoting innovation alongside tradition. He encouraged the officers to keep flying, touch greater heights, but maintain their connection with the ground.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari received the Raksha Mantri, who was presented with a General Salute followed by an impressive march past. The ‘Commissioning Ceremony’ featured the awarding of ‘Stripes’ to graduating Flight Cadets, followed by the administration of the ‘Oath’ by the Academy’s Commandant. A synchronized fly-past by trainer aircraft, including Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk, and Kiran, along with Chetak helicopters, added to the grandeur of the occasion.
Various awards were bestowed on outstanding trainees, with Flying Officer Atul Prakash from the flying branch receiving 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 among the ground duty branches.
The CGP reached its climax with the newly commissioned officers marching out in two columns to the notes of Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Anandaloke.’ The grand finale featured an enthralling aerobatic show by Su-30MKI, synchronized aerobatics by the helicopter display team ‘Sarang,’ and the ‘SuryaKiran Aerobatic Team.
