President Doupadi Murmu inspecting a guard of honour at the Hindon airbase. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
Hindon, Ghaziabad: The president, Droupadi Murmu, who also holds the position of supreme commander of the Indian armed forces, awarded the prestigious President’s Standard to the Indian Air Force’s 45 Squadron and 221 Squadron, and the President’s Colours to 11 Base Repair Depot and 509 Signal Unit. This is the first time in the history of the IAF that four units have been honoured with the President’s Standard and President’s Colours together in a single event.
221 Sqaudron receiving the President’s Standard. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
The ceremonial parade took place at Air Force Station in Hindon, Ghaziabad, where the president was greeted with an aerial salute by three Mi-17 helicopters forming the “Dhwaj (flag)” formation, carrying the national flag. The junior civil aviation minister, General VK Singh (Retired); the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari; and other senior IAF officers also attended the occasion.
45 Squadron receiving the President’s Standard. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
The parade was commanded by Group Captain KS Sanu Nair of 11 BRD. The President’s Standard was received by Group Captain M Surendran, commanding officer of 45 Squadron, and Group Captain Shubhankan, commanding officer of 221 Squadron. The President’s Colours were received by Air Commodore Ashutosh Vaidya, air officer commanding of 11 BRD, and Group Captain Vivek Sharma, commanding officer of 509 SU.
509 Signal Unit receiving the President’s Colours. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
Addressing the parade, the president congratulated the units receiving the President’s Standard and Colours and commended them for their services to the nation. She highlighted the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of the Air Force during war and peacetime operations, both within India and overseas. The president also acknowledged the important contributions of the IAF in the country's ongoing space programmes and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, in which all four selected astronauts are Air Force pilots.
11 Base Repair Depot receiving the President’s Colours. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
The president took the opportunity to congratulate the women personnel of the IAF on International Women’s Day. She expressed happiness that women officers are provided with equal opportunities in every branch of the IAF, offering them greater opportunities for career advancement.
The award of the President’s Standard and Colours is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit in India.
