The Indian Air Force is 77.

It is a proud day for every Indian, and certainly a momentous occasion for every one in this great organization.

Things are happening for the Indian Air Force, as was evident from the Air Force Day Parade and Flypast at the Hindon air base near the capital city of New Delhi.

It is always inspiring to see the brave men and their flying machines in the best of their colours. It is also gratifying to note that the Government of India is supporting the Indian Air Force fully in its modernization programme.

I am 60-plus, but still a boy at heart when it comes to aircraft. Their speed, sounds, and flights awe I suppose not only me but every one.

I lost a 32-year son just a few weeks ago. He had just joined me in this magazine, but more than that, he was a military aviation and motor sports enthusiast. His favourite pastime was to pit a Russian Mig 29 against a US F 18 on his computer.

His 4-year old son is not untouched. The other day when an Air Marshal friend visited us, the little boy was able to speak to him about his “shooter aircraft.”

I am only trying to impress that whether or not an Indian is in the Air Force, he identifies with the Indian Armed Forces.

I heard the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, say in a television programme on Doordarshan the other day that the Indian Air Force was his First, Second and Third choice when he was a young lad.

Understandable.

I am also sure that there are many a young boys and girls who share the zeal of the Air Chief Marshal and other officers and men for the extraordinary life that the Indian Air Force promises.

I am a candidate if the Indian Air Force selects me.