- A thrilling display of the Indian Air Force’s valor, courage, and extraordinary flying skills to light up the skies during ‘Rajyotsav’ (State Foundation Day celebrations)
- A grand air show is set to take place on November 2 at the Sendh Lake area in Naya Raipur, where five helicopters will perform breathtaking maneuvers starting at 11:00 AM
- Chief Minister Shri Sai extended a warm welcome to the Sarang team, stating that this event will strengthen the spirit of patriotism and the resolve to serve the nation among the youth
- The participation of two female pilots will inspire the daughters of the state to dream big and turn those dreams into reality
- India’s growing technological prowess and excellence in the aviation sector will be showcased through the indigenous ‘Dhruv’ helicopters
Members of the Indian Air Force’s prestigious ‘Sarang’ Helicopter Display Team paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at his residence-office in the capital, Raipur. During the meeting, the team members presented a memento to the Chief Minister. Welcoming the team to the sacred land of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister remarked that their participation in the ‘Rajyotsav’—held to mark the State’s Foundation Day—is a matter of great pride for the state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the arrival of the world-renowned ‘Sarang’ Helicopter Display Team for the Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day celebrations is a source of immense joy and pride for the people of the state. The Indian Air Force is globally respected for its indomitable courage, discipline, dedication, and exceptional professional competence. The aerial performance by the Sarang team will serve as a vivid demonstration of these glorious traditions. He added that this air show, organized as part of the ‘Rajyotsav’, will be an unforgettable experience for the people of Chhattisgarh, especially the youth and students.
Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized that the valor and gallantry of the Indian Armed Forces serve as a source of pride and inspiration for every citizen of the country. The courage, precision, and coordination with which the pilots of the ‘Sarang’ team perform complex aerial maneuvers are a testament to their rigorous training, discipline, and exceptional team spirit. This display will inspire the youth to dream big, embrace challenges, and pursue their goals with firm determination.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the nation is steadily advancing toward self-reliance in the fields of defense and aviation. Through their performance using indigenously developed ‘Dhruv’ helicopters, the Sarang team will showcase India’s technical prowess, innovation, and commitment to an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). He expressed confidence that this event would further strengthen the spirit of national service among the youth of the state, encouraging them to join the Indian Air Force and other armed forces.
- An Exciting Spectacle Awaits in the Skies Over Sendh Lake on November 2nd
Notably, on the occasion of Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day, the Indian Air Force’s ‘Sarang’ helicopter display team will present a grand air show at the Sendh Lake area in Naya Raipur Atal Nagar on November 2nd. Beginning at 11:00 AM, this special aerial display will feature five helicopters performing with remarkable harmony, precise flight patterns, and daring maneuvers.
During the air show, the audience will witness a variety of captivating helicopter formations, synchronized flights, and thrilling aerial activities. Flying in extremely close proximity and executing precise maneuvers within set formations are the hallmarks of the Sarang team. This performance will be one of the key highlights of the state’s foundation day celebrations.
Through this event, the people of the state will have the opportunity to witness the exceptional operational excellence of the Indian Air Force and its modern aviation technology. For students and the youth in particular, this event will serve as a gateway to explore new possibilities in the fields of aviation, science, technology, and defense services, while also providing inspiration for their future endeavors. Five helicopters, led by Group Captain Abhijit Kumar, will perform an aerial display.
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team will be led by Group Captain Abhijit Kumar. The team includes two female pilots, Squadron Leader Ankita and Squadron Leader Akshaya. Using five helicopters, the team members will showcase various thrilling formations and daring aerial maneuvers in the sky.
During his meeting with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Group Captain Abhijit Kumar expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to participate in the Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day celebrations (Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav). He stated that it is a matter of pride and honor for the Sarang team to be a part of these celebrations. He noted that through its aerial displays, both within the country and abroad, the Sarang team has consistently showcased the skill, discipline, and excellence of the Indian Air Force.
Group Captain Kumar emphasized that the objective of the Sarang team goes beyond merely presenting thrilling aerial maneuvers to the audience; it also aims to inspire the youth toward courage, self-confidence, discipline, and service to the nation. The Indian Air Force offers ample opportunities for young people to hone their talents and capabilities while serving the country.
Addressing the youth, he remarked that the entire sky is filled with possibilities for those who wish to pursue their dreams. All that is required is to believe in one’s dreams, move forward with firm determination, and work consistently to turn them into reality.No matter how high the goal may be, it can be achieved through dedication, discipline, and hard work.
Group Captain Shri Kumar explained that there are only three such teams in the world that perform aerobatic displays using helicopters, and the Indian Air Force’s ‘Sarang’ team is one of them. The hallmark of the Sarang team is that its five helicopters perform formation flights and thrilling aerial maneuvers with remarkable precision and coordination. Such performances require extraordinary synergy among the pilots, intense concentration, constant practice, and a high level of technical proficiency.
- India’s technical excellence to be showcased through indigenous ‘Dhruv’ helicopters
The Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter display team is internationally renowned for its unique flying style and exceptional formation coordination. The team performs its aerial displays using the ‘Dhruv’—an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) developed in India.
The indigenous Dhruv helicopters serve as a significant example of India’s modern aviation technology and its growing self-reliance in the defense sector. Through these helicopters, the Sarang team executes challenging and complex aerial formations, demonstrating both the proficiency of Indian Air Force pilots and the nation’s technical prowess.
The striking color scheme and distinctive design of the Sarang team’s helicopters are inspired by India’s national bird, the peacock. The sight of these colorful helicopters flying in formation across the sky offers a truly captivating spectacle for the audience. The balanced handling of the helicopters, their precise spacing, and their synchronized shifts in formation leave spectators thrilled.
Guided by the motto ‘Inspired by Excellence,’ the Sarang team represents the glorious traditions of the Indian Air Force at both national and international events. Their performances showcase a unique blend of courage, discipline, technical expertise, mutual trust, and collective effort. Participation of Female Pilots to Serve as a New Inspiration for the State’s Daughters
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed special delight at the inclusion of two female pilots in the ‘Sarang’ team. He remarked that today, the nation’s daughters are demonstrating exceptional talent, courage, and capability across every field. The growing participation of women in challenging sectors like defense and aviation reflects the evolving landscape of a ‘New India.’
The Chief Minister stated that the courage and self-confidence displayed by female pilots, such as Squadron Leader Ankita and Squadron Leader Akshaya, serve as an inspiration for the daughters of Chhattisgarh. Their achievements convey a powerful message: with strong willpower, hard work, and the right opportunities, daughters can reach any height.
He noted that the daughters of the state are consistently advancing in fields such as education, science, technology, and sports. The performance of the female pilots from the Sarang team will encourage others to pursue futures in demanding sectors like aviation and defense.
- Fostering a Spirit of National Service, Discipline, and Teamwork Among the Youth
Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized that the ‘Rajyotsav’ (State Foundation Day) is not merely a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s establishment; it is also an occasion to honor the state’s achievements, its rich cultural heritage, and its commitment to a bright future. The participation of the Indian Air Force’s Sarang team will infuse the event with a profound sense of national pride.
He observed that such events teach the youth the value of courage, discipline, leadership, and collective effort. Behind every performance by the Sarang team lies the pilots’ rigorous hard work, years of training, and unwavering trust in one another—qualities essential for achieving success in any walk of life.
The Chief Minister expressed his confidence that the air show, held in Naya Raipur, would further deepen the respect and pride the people of the state feel for the Indian Air Force. Furthermore, it will inspire the new generation to play an active role in nation-building and to come forward to serve the country. Performance by the ‘Sarang’ Team to Elevate the Grandeur of the State Foundation Day Celebrations
The ‘Sarang’ helicopter air show, organized as part of the Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day celebrations, will be a major highlight for the state. A daring display by skilled Indian Air Force pilots, featuring five helicopters, is set to fill the audience with a sense of thrill, pride, and excitement.
Through this air show—held at the Sendh Lake area in Naya Raipur—the people of the state will have the opportunity to witness, up close, the valor, indomitable courage, and exceptional flying skills of the Indian Air Force. This event will not only elevate the grandeur of the Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day celebrations but will also remain a memorable experience in the minds of the people.
Present on this occasion were the Chief Minister’s Advisor, Shri R. Krishna Das, and Press Officer, Shri Alok Singh.