Shimla: For the first time in its proud history, the skies above the Sainik School Sujanpur Tira in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh will come alive with the roar of the legendary Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force and the spirit of patriotism on March 25 and 26.Guided by their motto, Sadaiva Sarvottam (Always the Best), the aerobatic team, also known as the “Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force”, is set to perform a breathtaking aerial display with precision to inspire young guns.Established in 1978, this Sainik School has already produced more than 600 officers for the country’s defence forces. Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 36, a distinguished alumnus of this Sainik School, made the supreme sacrifice in the finest traditions of courage and duty while fearlessly undertaking a demonstration sortie of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas at the Dubai Air Show on Nov 21 last year.Principal, Group Captain Rachna Joshi, confirmed the much-awaited show, which promises to be a historic moment for the school’s 517 students, who will witness excellence soaring above them. Their excitement is well justified — this year alone, seven students have already been recommended by the Service Selection Board to join the armed forces as officers. For the students watching from the ground, these jets will carry more than pilots — they will carry dreams of serving the nation taking flight.Flying the iconic, striking red-and-white indigenously manufactured Hawk Mk 132 jets, the 9-aircraft formation is going to paint the sky with spectacular aerobatics, from elegant loops and thrilling barrel rolls to gravity-defying inverted flying and the crowd-favourite DNA manoeuvre. These jets fly astonishingly close — sometimes less than five metres apart — demonstrating the extraordinary flying skill of a team of 14 pilots. Formed in 1996, the Suryakiran team completed over 800 displays and represented India at international air shows across Asia and the Middle East. MSID:: 129549846 413 |
