Raipur, Oct 28 The Indian Air Force’s ‘Sarang’ team will stage an air show featuring five helicopters at Nava Raipur on November 2 as part of the Chhattisgarh foundation day celebrations, officials said on Wednesday.
The show will be held in Sendh Lake area of Nava Raipur Atal Nagar from 11 am, an official statement said.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met members of the Sarang Helicopter Display team at his official residence in Raipur on Wednesday.
The five helicopters will perform coordinated formations, precision flying manoeuvres and daring aerial stunts, the official release said.
The team will be led by Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar and include two women pilots, Squadron Leaders Ankita and Akshaya.
Sai said the performance will showcase the courage, discipline, dedication and professional excellence of the Indian Air Force and provide an unforgettable experience, particularly for young people and students.
The display, featuring the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, will highlight India’s technological capabilities, innovation and commitment to self-reliance in defence and aviation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the chief minister said.
He expressed confidence that the event would encourage young people to join the IAF and other armed forces.
Sai also welcomed the participation of two women pilots, and said women have been demonstrating their talent and capabilities across fields and their growing presence in challenging sectors such as defence and aviation reflected the changing face of the country.
Group Captain Kumar expressed happiness over the team’s participation in the statehood celebrations and said Sarang showcases the IAF’s skills, discipline and excellence at national and international events.
He said the team aimed not only to entertain audiences with aerial manoeuvres, but also to inspire young people to develop courage, confidence, discipline and a spirit of service to the nation.
Kumar said Sarang was one of only three teams in the world that perform aerobatic displays using helicopters.
The team is internationally recognised for its distinctive flying style and synchronised formations.
Its colourful design is inspired by India’s national bird, the peacock, the release said.
Operating under the motto “Excellence in Motion”, the Sarang team represents the traditions and capabilities of the Indian Air Force at national and international events, it added.
Chhattisgarh was formed on November 1, 2000, after being carved out of Madhya Pradesh. The statehood celebrations will be held for three days, beginning November 1.
(PTI News)
