LUDHIANA, March 15 (CNI): President of India Ram Nath Kovind would award the prestigious President’s Standards to 51 Squadron and Colours to 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force at Halwara Air Force Station on March 22. A parade would be held followed by a spectacular display of precision and daredevilry by the Air Warriors Drill Team on March 22.
Addressing a press conference at Halwara Air Force Station, Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commander in Chief, Western Command informed the media personnel that the President of India who is also supreme commander of the Armed Forces is coming to award such prominent awards after four years in Halwara Air Force Station. Earlier, Former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee had also visited the station and presented the President’s Standards in 2013.
The award of the President’s Standard and Colours is the highest military honour for an armed forces unit.
On March 22, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Punjab Governor, Chief Minister, and other senior government officials would also grace the function.
Group Capt Satish S Pawar, Commanding Officer of 51 Squadron, would receive the Presidents Standard and Group Capt SK Tripathi Station Commander of 230 Signal Unit would receive the Presidents Colours from the President of India during a ceremonial parade at Air Force Station Halwara. On this occasion the President would also release the First Day Covers of 51 Squadron and 230 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force, he added.
On being quizzed by media persons, he said that Indian Air Force is capable of tackling any kind of strike and told it has all required pilots, aircraft and valuable equipment. He claimed eagerness of youth to join the Air Force is a satisfactory and appreciable moment.
He also revealed that Indian Government is purchasing Rafale fighter jet from France which is equipped with supreme technology. He advocated the aircraft production in India and told the most of the parts of fighter planes are being manufactured here.
He also told that the decision of starting normal flights from Air Force Station would be taken by Indian Government and Air Force when asked and claimed they would have not any objection to this.
The selection of the Presidents Standard and Colours is based on the squadron’s performance and achievements during both peace and hostilities. The selected units are honoured for the meritorious services rendered by them over at least 25 years. This award is an acknowledgment of the operational excellence, dedication and the proven contribution of the unit during both peace and war.
This prestigious ceremony would be witnessed by Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command along with several others.
