CM Nayab Saini salutes IAF on Air Force Day 2026

Key Takeaways

October 8, 2026 is Indian Air Force Day, marking the IAF's founding anniversary.

CM Nayab Singh Saini posted a tribute on X honouring IAF personnel as 'nabh yoddha' (warriors of the sky).

He quoted the IAF's official motto 'Nabhaḥ Spṛśaṃ Dīptam' — 'Touch the Sky with Glory' — drawn from the Bhagavad Gita.

The Indian Air Force was constituted in 1932 and is among Asia's largest air arms.

Haryana is historically one of India's leading states in military recruitment, giving the tribute added regional significance.

On Indian Air Force Day, October 8, 2026, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini paid tribute to the country's airmen, honouring their courage and dedication to national defence with a heartfelt message on X.

In his post, CM Saini extended warm wishes to the brave 'nabh yoddhaon' (warriors of the sky), invoking the IAF's motto 'Nabhaḥ Spṛśaṃ Dīptam' — Sanskrit for 'Touch the Sky with Glory', drawn from the Bhagavad Gita. He offered a respectful salute to the valour, gallantry, and might of every airman serving the nation.

A motto rooted in ancient resolve

The phrase 'Nabhaḥ Spṛśaṃ Dīptam' has guided the Indian Air Force since its early years, encapsulating the twin ideals of reaching the heights of the sky and doing so with brilliance. That the CM chose to quote it in full underscores the cultural and martial significance the day holds beyond routine ceremony.

IAF Day and its national resonance

October 8 marks the anniversary of the Indian Air Force's founding in 1932, when it was formally constituted under the Indian Air Force Act. Over nine decades, the force has grown into one of the largest and most capable air arms in Asia, having seen action from the 1947-48 Kashmir operations to Kargil in 1999 and beyond. State leaders and central government officials across the country mark the day with tributes, reflecting the IAF's place as a pillar of India's sovereignty.

CM Saini's message, coming from Chandigarh — the shared capital of Haryana and a city with deep ties to the armed forces — carries particular resonance: Haryana has historically been among India's top contributors of military personnel, and Air Force families are woven into the state's social fabric.

Point of View

Blending patriotism with visibility. For Saini, whose BJP government in Haryana courts a voter base with strong defence-family ties, the IAF Day tribute is both culturally sincere and politically coherent. The choice to quote the Sanskrit motto in full, rather than offer a generic salute, signals a deliberate appeal to pride in India's civilisational heritage — a recurring motif in BJP messaging. The post adds no new policy dimension but reinforces the ruling party's consistent effort to associate itself with the armed forces narrative.

NationPress

8 Oct 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Indian Air Force Day celebrated?

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated every year on October 8 , marking the date the Indian Air Force was officially constituted in 1932 .

What does 'Nabhaḥ Spṛśaṃ Dīptam' mean?

'Nabhaḥ Spṛśaṃ Dīptam' is the official motto of the Indian Air Force, a Sanskrit phrase meaning 'Touch the Sky with Glory'. It is drawn from the Bhagavad Gita.

What did Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini say on Air Force Day 2026?

CM Nayab Singh Saini extended warm wishes to IAF personnel, calling them 'nabh yoddha' (warriors of the sky) and saluting their courage, gallantry, and might in defending the nation.

How old is the Indian Air Force in 2026?

The Indian Air Force turns 94 years old in 2026, having been founded on October 8, 1932 .

Why does Haryana have a special connection with the Indian armed forces?

Haryana is historically one of India's top states in per-capita military recruitment, with a large number of families having members serving across the Army, Air Force, and Navy.