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Group Captain Shaliza Dhami, a helicopter pilot and the first woman to command a frontline Indian Air Force (IAF) combat unit, will make history by leading the IAF Day parade at the air force station in Prayagraj. This event marks the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force.
Dhami, commissioned into the IAF in 2003, is also a qualified flying instructor with over 2,800 hours of flying experience. Her leadership of the parade reflects the IAF’s commitment to providing women officers with equal opportunities alongside their male counterparts.
Additionally, this year’s parade features an all-women contingent, including the newly inducted Agniveer Vayu, marching alongside their male counterparts. For the first time, the parade will also include a flight of Garud commandos.
The inclusion of women in various roles within the armed forces, such as flying fighter planes and serving on board warships, signifies a shift towards gender equality. Women are now eligible for permanent commission and can undergo training at the National Defence Academy.
The IAF and navy have also allowed women officers to join their special forces units, the Garud commando force and Marine Commandos, respectively, provided they meet the criteria for selection.
During the event, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari will unveil the new IAF ensign in Prayagraj. This updated ensign will feature the IAF crest in the top right corner, alongside the national flag and IAF tri-colour roundel.
The IAF crest depicts the Ashoka lion on top, with the Himalayan eagle below, its wings spread. A light blue ring encircles the eagle, bearing the words “Bhartiya Vayu Sena” in Hindi. The IAF’s motto, “Nabh Sparsham Deeptam” (Touch the Sky with Glory), is inscribed below the eagle in golden Devanagari.
This change in the ensign design comes more than seven decades after the adoption of the previous version, which replaced the Royal Indian Air Force ensign. The IAF Day flypast will also include various aircraft, such as Rafales, Sukhoi-30s, Mirage-2000s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, LCA Tejas, C-17s, C-130Js, IL-76s, AN-32s, Chinooks, Apaches, and Hawks.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) broke tradition by hosting its annual celebrations in Chandigarh last year, aligning with a broader trend among the three services to organize their flagship ceremonial events outside the national capital. Traditionally, the parade had been held at the Hindan air base on the outskirts of Delhi. This move reflects a strategic shift in the locations chosen for these significant events, demonstrating the armed forces’ adaptability and outreach beyond the national capital.
