President Mukherjee awards Standard to 501 Signal unit and 30 Squadron

Ambala. President and the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces Pranab Mukherjee awarded the prestigious President’s Standard to 501 Signal Unit and 30 Squadron at a magnificent ceremonial parade held at Air Force Station, Ambala November 10.

The Station Commander of 501 Signal Unit Group Captain Vineet Jindal and Commanding Officer of 30 Squadron, Wg Cdr Abhay Arun Phansalkar received the President’s Standard.

The event included a ceremonial parade, Aerobatic display by ‘Sarang’ and ‘Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team’ and a synchronised drill demonstration by Air Warrior Drill Team.

Addressing the parade, Mr Mukherjee said that 501 Signal Unit and 30 Squadron had a rich tradition of valour and courage and had rendered distinguished service to the nation both during peace and war since their inception. He added that their personnel, both past and present, had put in relentless efforts in pursuit of excellence and set an example for others to emulate.

A photo exhibition was also organised on the occasion. To mark this glorious chapter in the annals of the history of IAF, the President also released First Day Covers for both the units.

The President’s Standard are bestowed upon a unit in recognition of the dedication and meritorious service rendered by it, which represents the honour of a unit and is displayed with pride on ceremonial occasions. It is akin to the “Nishaan’ that used to be carried by our erstwhile fighting forces, whose personnel would fight till the last man and last drop of blood to protect the “Nishaan”. The award of President’s Standard serves not only as a source of inspiration and esprit-de-corps among the fighting forces, but also a symbol of excellence.

The ceremony was graced by Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister Monohar Lal Khattar and Senior Government officials of Haryana Government.

Besides, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, AOC-in-C Western Air Command Air Marshal SB Deo, AOC-in-C South Western Air Command Air Marshal Ravinder Kumar Dhir and a host of serving and retired officials of the recipient units along with other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.