Date:09/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/09/stories/2007100959550200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Parade and pledge mark IAF platinum jubilee

Staff Reporter

Officers and warriors reaffirm their commitment to nation

Glittering hours: Air Officer Commanding of AF Avadi Station Air Commodore G.R. Prasad addressing the platinum jubilee celebrations of the IAF at Avadi on Monday.

CHENNAI: A parade to mark the platinum jubilee of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was organised on Monday at the Air Force Station in Avadi. Officers and Air Force warriors of the station took a pledge to serve the nation, at the parade.

In his address, Air Officer Commanding of the Station Air Commodore G.R. Prasad highlighted the role played by the IAF in defending the nation as well as in controlling insurgency and protecting the people during times of natural calamities.

According to a press release, he underlined the increased responsibilities of the IAF in the context of India emerging as the world’s fourth largest economy.

The IAF is fully prepared to face the new challenges, he said, adding that it now possessed and operated a state-of the-art fleet of fighter, transport and helicopters fleets of various origins. It has also acquired some of the most sophisticated of equipments, including air-to-air refuellers, modern missile systems and radar and communication facilities.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding and personnel of the stations paid floral tributes at the Kargil AF Memorial to honour the IAF martyrs.

As a part of the platinum jubilee celebrations, President AFWWA (local) Pushpa Vijaya Prasad and women of the AF Avadi Station took up a series of welfare activities.

A variety of cultural and educational programmes, including a health camp, quiz and musical evening followed.

Ms. Vijaya Prasad said the IAF had always contributed to environment development and social causes.