SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF SIGNING OF MoU (REGARDING SETTING UP OF INDIAN AIR FORCE HERITAGE CENTRE) BETWEEN CHANDIGARH ADMINISTRATION AND INDIAN AIR FORCE AT GOVERNMENT P

Good Morning everyone!

It gives me immense pleasure to be present here on this momentous occasion of signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Chandigarh Administration and the Indian Air Force for setting up India’s first Air Force Heritage Centre at Chandigarh. Acceptance in Principle for this, as we know, was signed in August 2021.

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It is indeed a historic day for us to witness a liaison between the Civil Administration and the
Defence, for such a unique proposition.

Friends,

Currently, the country is celebrating 75 years of its independence, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. We have achieved this freedom by making innumerable sacrifices. With fervid patriotism our forces are guarding this hard earned freedom.

Today the Indian Armed Forces have strength of over 1.3 million, the third largest force and the largest standing volunteer army in the world. Since inception, our Armed Forces have rendered illustrious service to the Nation and have done us proud.

The Air Force and Navy came in the early 1930s. Talking of the Air force in particular, I would like to say that the Indian Air Force has been fulfilling its role of protecting the Indian skies and safe guarding the sovereignty of our Nation and have also been providing aid to the citizens during natural calamities. The resilience and tenacity displayed by the Air Warriors is a great source of encouragement and a matter of pride for the Nation. The massive relief operations undertaken by the Indian Air Force during many natural calamities in the past is all etched in our memories. Such operations are shining examples of the fortitude and determination of the gallant Air Warriors. We are immensely proud of the Indian Air force and remain eternally indebted to the Air Warriors for their selflessness and sacrifice.

Friends,

Our Country is firmly committed to peace and equality for which we need an effective deterrence and a strong defence force. The Nation is striving hard for all-round economic growth and social empowerment of its citizens. However, we are equally focused on building capacity to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our Armed Forces give us confidence in the Nation’s ability to face any aggression and safeguard its interests.

Our soldiers, epitomize the grit and the determination in fulfilling their responsibilities, by upholding the highest standards of service ethos. The youth of our nation should draw inspiration from our defence personnel.

I believe, in the direction of arousing the younger generations’ interest about the glorious Air Force legacy, this centre will be a great source. It will provide an opportunity to the people in general and youth in particular to gain knowledge about the wars fought by our Armed Forces, get inspired and imbibe their patriotic fervor.

Friends,

The Museums and the Heritage Centers offer lifelong learning opportunities to all. They contribute towards shaping an informed Civil Society.

Our cultural heritage, the history and the precious memories of our ancestors are kept in the Museums. The museums touch upon both the tangible and intangible history of our nation.

Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji always emphasizes that the construction of museums and the exploration and promotion of archaeological findings should be ensured, so that the people of the country, should get a chance to know their history through the museums.

The Indian Air Force Heritage Centre would be an iconic place and will be one of the most educative and informative centres for the people. It will also act as the platform to motivate and facilitate youth of our country to join the forces which will resultantly provide not only employment but also an opportunity to join forces and be the sword arm of India.

This is the moment to recall the inspiring motto of the Indian Air Force – Nabhah Sprusham Deeptam – which means “Touching the skies with glory”. This motto has been gleaned from a verse in the Bhagwad Geeta which describes the cosmic form of the Lord. Indian Air Warriors have proved this motto very correct, thanks to their feats of courage and valour against all odds. It is because of their high-caliber performance that the Indian Air Force is considered one of the best such organizations in the world. They have flown technically advanced as well as most basic aircraft in different and difficult conditions as if those machines were the extensions of their bodies. In each mission, in each sortie, the IAF men have shown what caliber they are made of.

All these feat of theirs will now be showcased in the Heritage Centre we are about to set up.

I must make one special mention here. The IAF has been accepting young women of substance in its ranks in different capacities. This is a welcome development which should make every Indian proud. I am sure, these young women will add another feather in the IAF’s cap by their valour and verve.

As I gather, in this Heritage Centre, the Indian Air Force will showcase its vintage aircrafts, armaments and memorabilia and other IAF artifacts including audio video displays. The exhibits, simulators and other artifacts showcased here with narrate the tales of glorious past of India. I am sure that people will be thrilled to experience the flying of the Air Force aircraft in the simulator.

Friends,

Each item to be showcased here has a story of its own, about how Indian scientists made progress to build these, how the Air Force used these in testing times and came out with flying colors. I am told that the Indian Air Force has allotted two vintage aircrafts, i.e. GNAT used in 1971 war and MIG21 for this Heritage Centre. The Air Force officers will play the role of guide. People will be able to know about the valor of the defense forces, stories of war and the weapons used. I am sure you all will feel more proud of our Indian Air Force after visiting this Heritage Centre.

I take this opportunity to express gratitude to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah for showing keen interest in this initiative and making it successful. Chandigarh is proud to have the country’s first Air Force Heritage Center.

I wish this, one of its kind, Indian Air Force Heritage Centre all the success!

Thank You

Jai Hind.