Nine Fighter Jets Enchant Patna with Aerial Salute to 1857 Hero Kunwar Singh
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team held a spectacular air show in Patna, celebrating the legacy of 1857 hero Veer Kunwar Singh. The event showcased impressive aerial maneuvers, captivating thousands, including students, and marked the commencement of Shaurya Diwas festivities.
Key Takeaways
- Nine IAF fighter jets performed breathtaking aerial stunts.
- The event celebrated the legacy of Veer Kunwar Singh.
- Students from over forty schools attended the tribute.
- The air show included a paragliding dive revealing the Indian Tricolour.
- Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu emphasized the Air Force's commitment and pride.
Patna, April 22 (NationPress) The skies over Bihar's Patna were illuminated with exhilarating aerial performances as the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team executed a stunning air show on Tuesday, inaugurating a two-day celebration in tribute to the 1857 freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh.
As part of the Shaurya Diwas festivities, the Surya Kiran team showcased a series of spectacular maneuvers, dives, and stunts that mesmerized thousands of onlookers.
Among the spectators were students from over forty schools, who gathered to witness this remarkable homage.
The event commenced with a paragliding dive from an IAF helicopter, where a parachutist revealed the Indian Tricolour mid-air—a moment that elicited thunderous applause from the crowd.
In an emotional tribute, a paraglider also glided across the sky displaying the image of Veer Kunwar Singh, a prominent leader of the 1857 uprising against British rule in Bihar's Bhojpur district.
Tuesday’s performance served as a rehearsal for the main event scheduled for Wednesday, April 23. The principal gala will feature full-scale aerial displays and is anticipated to be inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Nine Hawk fighter jets took flight, performing tight formations, vertical loops, heart-shaped trails, and the iconic “bomb burst” formation—where jets disperse outward from a single point, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.
These awe-inspiring stunts showcased the discipline, expertise, and precision of the Indian Air Force.
In a statement to IANS, BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy remarked, “Today is a historic day for Bihar. Tomorrow marks the 167th Shaurya Diwas of Babu Veer Kunwar Singh, a legendary hero of the 1857 revolution. Today’s air show rehearsal by the IAF pays tribute to this courageous figure. It’s heartening to see how Veer Kunwar Singh is emerging from the pages of history into the hearts of the people.”
Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, a pilot with the Surya Kiran team, expressed pride in the event.
“On the occasion of Shaurya Diwas, we are showcasing the prowess and discipline of the Indian Air Force. Our team is the only Indian aerobatic squadron composed of nine aircraft, demonstrating our readiness to tackle any challenge,” she stated to IANS.
She further added, “Today’s performance was merely a preview. Tomorrow, we will execute advanced stunts at high speeds, including reverse flying and intricate patterns. This event also aims to inspire the youth to join the armed forces and contribute to the nation’s strength.”
