The skies of Nava Raipur came alive with colour, sound, and patriotic fervour as the Indian Air Force’s prestigious Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performed a spectacular air show over Sendh Reservoir to mark the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh’s formation. The event, attended by Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, left thousands of spectators mesmerised as the fighter jets painted the sky with the hues of the tricolour. The air show opened with the disciplined and daring manoeuvres of the Indian Air Force, captivating the audience for a full hour. Fighter planes performed synchronised aerial stunts, moving in unison like a flock of birds in the clear November sky.

 

As the aircraft soared high, chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” resonated across Sendh Reservoir, creating an atmosphere of pride and unity. Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi, leader of the Surya Kiran team, congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh on their Silver Jubilee from the cockpit, while Squadron Leader Gaurav Patel, a proud son of Chhattisgarh, greeted the crowd with ‘Jai Johar’ and ‘Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya.’ His words echoed through the sky, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd below. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Finance Minister OP Choudhary, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, Skill Development Minister Guru Khuswant Saheb, and MP Brijmohan Agrawal were also present, along with senior officials and dignitaries. The Surya Kiran team displayed exceptional skill, mutual trust, and precision in their aerobatic formations.

 

Thousands of spectators gathered around Sendh Reservoir were left spellbound as the jets performed manoeuvres such as the Heart, Diamond, Loop, Grover, Dawn Light, and Combat Tejas. The roar of the engines mixed with applause as the aircraft streaked hrough the sky, leaving trails of red, white, and green smoke. Cameras and phones across the crowd captured every dazzling moment of the performance. The One F-9 and One F-8 helicopter units, led by Wing Commander AV Singh, added to the excitement with their aerial operations. Using V-17 and V-5 helicopters, fourteen Garud Commandos demonstrated rescue and sky operations, descending from the aircraft at a height of just 15 meters. Eight commandos then glided past the audience, suspended from ropes, a breathtaking simulation of rescue operations carried out during wars or natural disasters.

 

The Surya Kiran pilots paid tribute to the state’s 25th anniversary by forming a heart-shaped pattern in the sky, followed by a DNA-shaped formation in the tricolour. Their performance, which also included 360-degree turns and reverse flying, showcased the Indian Air Force’s technical mastery and courage. A special formation in the shape of the letter “Y” symbolised the spirit of youth and the indomitable energy of modern India. Squadron Leader Gaurav Patel’s participation added a deeply emotional touch to the event. As he maneuvered his aircraft at high speed across the sky, his greetings of “Jai Johar” and “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya” connected every spectator to the pride of the state. Throughout the show, Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu provided live commentary, explaining the technical details of each stunt and emphasising the values of discipline, teamwork, and risk management that define the Indian Air Force.

 

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, established in 1996, holds the distinction of being Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic unit. Flying HAL-licensed Hawk Mk-132 aircraft manufactured in India, the team embodies the spirit of excellence, professionalism, and self-reliance. Its mission is not only to showcase India’s air power but also to inspire the nation’s youth to serve the country through the armed forces. Since its inception, the team has performed over 700 demonstrations across India and represented the nation at international air shows in countries such as China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Comprising 13 pilots, three engineering officers, one commentator, and one medical officer, the Surya Kiran team continues to be a shining example of precision, courage, and teamwork.