CM Himanta Salutes IAF on Air Force Day 2026
Synopsis
On Indian Air Force Day, 8 October 2026, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma saluted the IAF's courage and unwavering commitment, closing with the force's own motto: 'Always touch the sky with glory.'
Key Takeaways
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma posted a tribute to the Indian Air Force on IAF Day, 8 October 2026 .
He saluted the 'courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment' of the IAF.
His closing line — 'Always touch the sky with glory' — mirrors the IAF's official motto Nabha Sprisham Deeptam .
Indian Air Force Day marks the IAF's establishment on 8 October 1932 .
The tribute is part of widespread national recognition of the IAF's role in defending India's airspace.
On Indian Air Force Day, 8 October 2026, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid tribute to the men and women of the Indian Air Force, declaring that Bharat's skies remain safe because of their courage and sacrifice.
Posting on X, CM Sarma wrote: 'Bharat's skies are safer because our brave air warriors guard them. On Indian Air Force Day, I salute the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the @IAF_MCC. Their dedication continues to inspire every Indian. Always touch the sky with glory.'
Indian Air Force Day is observed every year on 8 October, marking the day the IAF was officially established in 1932. The occasion draws tributes from across the political spectrum, with leaders recognising the force's role in defending the nation's airspace and responding to emergencies — from high-altitude conflicts to humanitarian relief operations.
Sarma's salute reflects the wide national sentiment on a day that honours every pilot, ground crew member, and support officer who keeps the country's aerial shield intact. The IAF motto — Nabha Sprisham Deeptam (Touch the sky with glory) — echoes directly in his closing line, lending the message a resonance familiar to every serviceperson and their family.
Point of View
Making Sarma's salute more than ceremonial. The reference to the IAF motto signals cultural familiarity with the force's identity, a subtle but deliberate touch. Such posts also serve to strengthen civil-military goodwill at the state level, where chief ministers often coordinate with defence establishments on logistics and disaster response.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Indian Air Force Day celebrated?
Indian Air Force Day is celebrated every year on 8 October , marking the establishment of the IAF on 8 October 1932.
What did Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma say on IAF Day 2026?
CM Sarma saluted the 'courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment' of the Indian Air Force and closed with the message 'Always touch the sky with glory,' echoing the IAF's own motto.
What is the motto of the Indian Air Force?
The Indian Air Force motto is Nabha Sprisham Deeptam , a Sanskrit phrase meaning 'Touch the sky with glory,' drawn from the Bhagavad Gita.
Why do political leaders post tributes on IAF Day?
IAF Day is a major national occasion honouring the air force's defence and humanitarian role; tributes from leaders reflect both patriotic sentiment and recognition of the force's service to the nation.
What is Himanta Biswa Sarma's role in national politics?
Himanta Biswa Sarma is the Chief Minister of Assam and a senior BJP leader who also serves as the convenor of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) , making him one of the most influential political figures in the Northeast.
