Indian Air Force Day: Bhartiya Vayu Sena Diwas – 8 October

Indian Air Force Day: The Indian Air Force or the Bhartiya Vayu Sena is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. It was officially established on October 8, 1932. Central Air Command will celebrate the anniversary of Indian Air Force with great enthusiasm and fervor at various Air Stations all over the country on October 8.

Indian Air Force Day: Parade

The Air Force Parade marks the beginning of the celebration on October 8. All Air Force stations conduct their respective parades at their air bases. The traditional military parade follows the same protocol.

The bugle is heralded and the parade is marched in from the right. The contingent is comprised of usually four squadrons of two flights each and is commanded by a Wing Commander. The parade is accompanied by a band that plays throughout the event. Once the parade marches in to the parade ground, it is customary for all attendees to rise in its honor and all uniformed air personnel will salute the parade.

The ‘Nishan Toli’ is carried by a lieutenant in the middle of the ground. The Nishan Toli is a flag which symbolizes the bravery, valor and commitment to mission, integrity and excellence of the Indian Air Force. It was first presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the country on April 1, 1954 to the IAF. Since, then this flag is most revered and is hoisted on important occasions.

The aircraft and helicopters deployed for various important missions like Operation Rahat and Operation Meghdoot are exhibited. Along with these, the new aircraft ready to launch for various missions are also exhibited, its features and its purpose explained.

Indian Air Force Day: Origin and History

Since its inception in 1932, the Indian Air Force has had a remarkable history of achievements. Adhering to its primary purpose of securing the Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during a conflict, the Indian Air Force has been involved in four wars with Pakistan and one with China. It also played an active role in World War II blocking the advance of the Japanese army in Burma.

Other important operations include Operation Vijay (to claim Goa), Operation Meghdoot (to capture Siachen Glacier in the disputed Kashmir region), Operation Cactus (rescue operation in the Maldives), Operation Poomalai (to air-drop supplies over the besieged town of Jaffna in Sri Lanka) and Operation Rahat (rescue and relief of people struck by the flash floods in Uttarakhand). Apart from conflicts, the IAF has been instrument in the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions as well.

Celebrations:

There is a meticulously conducted hollow square parade in which the Commander in Chief administers the oath of allegiance to all the air warriors as well as the civilian personnel for dedicating their lives to the larger and much greater cause of the nation. The wreath laying and the oath taking ceremony are usually the highlights of the celebrations which are conducted in full military traditions. This event marks the close of a week-long celebration organized in the run up to the Air Force day.

At the wreath laying ceremony, a tribute is paid to all the brave hearts of the Air Force who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. As the buglers play the ‘Last Post’ the guards solemnly stand at “reverse arms” and all attendees observe a two minute silence. At Amar Jawan Jyoti, in Delhi, homage is paid to the martyrs who gave away their life for the greater good. A floral reed is presented by the Chief of Air Force, Army and Navy.

Speaking on the occasion, each individual’s contribution in accomplishing successful missions and enabling the Central Air Command to demonstrate a high degree of operation preparedness and potential is praised. Various awards and medals of honor are presented to the air warriors in keeping with their achievements of the previous year.

The teams perform different feats in the air creating different formations. Dolphin leap is one of the manoeuvres followed by a colorful display by other air-crafts and helicopters. The grand finale includes the passing through the tunnel of rotating rifles. It is called the Rifle Drill and requires intense mind-body co-ordination to perform it successfully.

In the evening, a “Social Evening” is organized which is graced by the senior dignitaries from the civil administration and armed forces and also by veteran Air Force officers.

Indian Airforce Day: Instagram Captions

• Taking flight to defend the nation.
• Wings of courage, skies of glory.
• Saluting the guardians of our skies.
• For the fearless who soar high!
• In the blue yonder, we trust.
• Masters of the skies, protectors of the land.
• Born to fly, sworn to protect.
• The sky’s the limit when courage takes flight.
• Wearing the wings of honour.
• Saluting the real-life superheroes.

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Indian Air Force Day: Wishes For Facebook

• Happy Indian Air Force Day! We salute the brave men and women of the IAF who protect our skies and keep us safe.
• Touch the sky with glory! Wishing the Indian Air Force a very Happy Air Force Day.
• Thank you to the Indian Air Force for guarding our skies and keeping us safe. Happy Air Force Day!
• We are grateful to the Indian Air Force for their dedication and service to our nation. Happy Air Force Day!
• The Indian Air Force is a source of pride and inspiration for us all. Happy Air Force Day!
• Wishing the Indian Air Force a very Happy Air Force Day. We salute your courage and commitment to protecting our nation.
• The Indian Air Force is one of the best in the world, and we are proud to have them protecting our skies. Happy Air Force Day!
• Thank you to the Indian Air Force for keeping us safe and sound. Happy Air Force Day!
• We salute the brave men and women of the Indian Air Force on this special day. Happy Air Force Day!
• The Indian Air Force is a symbol of strength and security for our nation. We are grateful for their service. Happy Air Force Day!

Indian Air Force Day Greeting Cards

Indian Airforce Day: IAF WhatsApp Stories

• Who kept the hope and supported the fight, The glory theirs, the service ours. Happy Air Force Day!
• Freedom is precious. Flag waving in the wind is a symbol of our freedom. Happy Air Force Day! Jai Hind!
• We feel proud to have you as our saviour of the air. Wishing you all a very Happy Indian Airforce Day!
• Happy Indian Air Force Day to all the air warriors of the nation. Thank You for protecting the skies like a guardian to helping in harsh problems like Devdoot
• Who kept the faith and fought the fight; the glory theirs, the duty ours. Happy Air Force Day!
• Today we are breathing freely just because we live in a free country. Happy Indian Air Force Day!
• We are flying in different areas of increase, just as India is free. Happy Indian Air Force Day 2023
• We are grateful to the Indian Air Force for their dedication and service to our nation. Happy Air Force Day!
• The Indian Air Force is a source of pride and inspiration for us all. Happy Air Force Day!
• Wishing the Indian Air Force a very Happy Air Force Day. We salute your courage and commitment to protecting our nation.

Famous Quotes:

• On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind. ~ Dan Lipinski
• I regret I have but one life to give for my country. ~ Prem Ramachandran
• Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure. ~ Captain Vikram Batra
• Those of us who have never been in the military don’t understand what it is like to serve in the military. ~ Gina Barreca
• No real change in history has ever been achieved by discussions. ~ Subhas Chandra Bose
• Soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they have been given. ~ Orson Scott Card, Enders Game
• Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail. ~ Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
• Discipline is the soul of an Army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to all of the weak, and esteem to all. ~ George Washington
• The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. ~ Albert Einstein
• I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep. I am afraid of sheep led by a lion. ~ Alexander the Great