Shillong: Eastern Air Command Headquarters on Saturday organized an air display at Shillong’s Umiam Lake.
As part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh, a flypast by IAF fighters and helicopters was performed followed by air display by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force.
The event was celebrated to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory in 1971 Indo-Pak War. The chief guest for the function was Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik and was accompanied by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee. Meghalaya Chief Secretary Rebecca Suchiang and several other senior officials were also part of the event.
The occasion was also attended by air veterans, civil dignitaries, serving officials and the local populace. The aerial ballet by the IAF machines in the blue skies of Shillong was witnessed by the public from various vantage points around Umiam Lake.
Briefing the mediapersons, Flight Lieutenant Ridhima Gurung said the team has come to Meghalaya for the first time in its 25 years.
Another aim of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) was also to motivate the youth to join the forces. The SKAT was formed in 1996.
“It was a beautiful opportunity to be here at Umiam Lake and Meghalaya is known as abode of clouds, where the clouds live. So it was a wonderful experience for the team to be here,” Flight Lieutenant Ridhima Gurung said.
Known for its unpredictable weather, Shillong’s morning today started with cloudy skies. Flight Lieutenant Gurung said the team leader has to take a call whether to carry out a full profile or a horizontal profile depending on the weather.
“Once they did the first flypast that’s when the team leader realised the weather is holding on and we will be able to give a full show. The Weather gods smiled on us and that’s why we were able to give the people of Shillong a full display,” stated Flt Lt Gurung.
A Mahajan, a student who had come to witness the aerial show, said this was one of the best shows seen in the state.
“Fighter pilots who flew the aircraft were working beautifully and amazing formations were done. Amazing aerobatics were done; it was beautiful and inspiring for us. Thankful to the Indian Air Force for conducting this event. This has definitely inspired me to join the forces,” the student said.
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