Srinagar: The Srinagar skies came alive on Sunday as the Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted an air-show over picturesque Dal Lake in this summer capital, as part of ongoing celebrations commemorating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the event from S K International Convention Centre (SKICC), which is located on the banks of Dal Lake. The IAF has organised the event in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Government.
Meanwhile, all roads leading to SKICC have been closed for general public and vehicles are being directed to take alternate routes to reach to their respective destinations. Only people with valid passes were allowed to move towards the air-show venue after proper checking.
The display included fly-past by various aircraft of the IAF. The spectators, mostly school children, also witnessed para-motor flying and IAF’s sky diving team ‘Akash Ganga’ in action. Many locals and tourists also enjoyed the event from Dal Gate and adjoining areas.
Former chief minister and Member of Parliament (MP) from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah, several Union Ministers, senior officers of Air Force, Army, police and civil administration were also present at the event.
The event titled ‘Give Wings to Your Dreams’ also consists of a photo exhibition at the venue to highlight the history of IAF and gives inputs to educate youth about the employment opportunities in the services.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Col Emron Musavi said as part of ongoing celebrations commemorating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, Air Force Station Srinagar conducted an air show at the Dal lake.
He said the air display was especially tailored for the young audience. “The show commenced with the para motor and para hang glider displays, followed by the MiG 21 Bisons flying by in a triangular 3 Aircraft formation,” he said, adding IAF skydiving team Akashganga enthralled the audience jumping from a Mi 17 helicopter over Dal Lake. This was followed by the Su 30 MKI showcasing its maneuverability with a Low Level Aerobatic Display.
The star attraction of the event was the ‘Suryakiran Aerobatic Display Team’ or SKAT, also known as ‘Ambassadors of IAF’. The team has the distinction of being one amongst few nine aircraft formation teams in the world. Flying the highly versatile Hawks manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, SKAT set hearts racing with their synchronized aerial ballet in the sky. Maneuvers by Chinook heavy lift helicopter culminated the air show. Symphony orchestra of IAF added glitter to the event.
With the event, coined as ‘Give Wings to Your Dreams’ Air Show, IAF hopes to enthuse and inspire the youth, whilst reiterating its commitment towards nation building.
A photo exhibition at the venue highlighted the history of IAF, while interactive quizzes were organised at the venue to promote awareness on career opportunities in IAF.
