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Mehsana, Oct 24 (IANS) The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) enthralled the audience at Mehsana Airfield with an air show organized as part of the Centre’s national celebration of patriotism.
Held in the inspiring presence of Gujarat Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel and MP Hari Patel, the event transformed the skies of North Gujarat into a vibrant canvas of the tricolour.
Addressing the gathering, Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel said that hosting the Surya Kiran Air Show in Mehsana is a proud moment for North Gujarat. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh for making this event possible.
Highlighting India’s rising stature, Patel commented, “India today guides the world with the message of patience, peace and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The valor of our Air Force, Navy and Army is a matter of immense pride for every Indian.”
Referring to recent military achievements like Operation Sindoor, he said that these operations reflect India’s growing confidence and preparedness under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Patel said the Prime Minister’s focus on national security, peace and development has strengthened India’s global position. He emphasized that campaigns like Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Vocal for Local movements are laying the foundation of a strong and self-reliant India.
MP Haribhai Patel thanked the Indian Air Force, calling the show an “expression of pure patriotism”. He said the Surya Kiran demonstration had instilled a sense of inspiration and enthusiasm among the citizens, calling it a step towards building a “New India”. The MP also appreciated the participation of women pilots in the show and called it a shining example of women empowerment in modern India.
Formed in 1996, SKAT is Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team, representing excellence and discipline under the motto “Sada Sabyast (Always the Best)”. The team has performed over 700 shows in India and abroad, including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this year, the team enthralled the audiences in Vadodara, Jamnagar, Naliya and Bhuj.
At the Mehsana show, nine Hawk MK132 jets executed daring manoeuvres, including diamond formation, Tejas formation, loops, rolls, head-on crosses and inverted DNA formation – all with a distance of less than five meters between the aircraft. As the tricolor lit up the sky, the crowd cheered and celebrated the colors – saffron, white and green – symbolizing courage, peace and prosperity. The program was conducted by Air Force pilots Kamal Sandhu and Gaurav Patel.
The dignitaries present included MLAs Sukhaji Thakor and KK Patel, District Collector SK Prajapati, DCP Tarun Dugal, Doodh Sagar Dairy Chairman Ashok Choudhary, Unjha APMC Chairman Dinesh Patel, District Bank Chairman Vinod Patel, former MP Natuji Thakor and senior officials of ONGC and Indian Air Force. A large number of citizens attended the display, described as one of the most inspiring aerial displays in the history of the region.
–IANS
janvi/dpb