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Air Force Academy Dundigal
Read the inspiring stories from Air Force Academy, Dundigal. The Combined Graduation Parade at AFA witnessed the culmination of training of 213 Flight Cadets, including 25 women, from various branches of the Air Force. Eight officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard and two from friendly countries also passed out alongside.
The parade was reviewed by the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, who awarded the newly commissioned officers their shoulder stripes denoting the rank of Flyting Officer, and pinned wings and brevets on the chests of those from the Flying Branch.
Amongst them was Flying Officer Mewa Singh, who is “Following his family legacy and fulfilling a dream”. A third generation soldier in family and the first officer from his village near Bathinda in Punjab. His grandfather had fought in the Second World War and his uncle had served in the Indian Army.
Flying Officer Atul Prakash from the Flying branch won the President’s Plaque and Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in the order of merit in the Pilots Course and being adjudged as the overall best cadet. Hailing from Jind in Haryana, Atul is an alumnus of the Military School, Belagavi. Carrying forward the legacy of a brave family, this second generation officer proved his mettle by taking on challenging roles and responsibilities. His course mates described him as “a born leader full of courage and conviction” and performing to the highest standards of training.
Flying Officer Amrinder Jit Singh of the Accounts Branch was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing overall first amongst the Ground Duty branches. For Punjab’s Flying Officer Amrinder Jit Singh, it has been a chequered journey in the Blues, from serving as an airman for 16 years in be the topper amongst his peers, much younger to him. At 36 years, he has proved that age is just a number and it is the will and determination that propels the vision of an individual.
For Flying Officer Lata Kaushik, who became the first commissioned Air Force officer from her village near Jhajjar in Haryana, it has been ‘patience and perseverance’. After previously missing the crucial spot in the merit list, she entered the Air Force Academy with vengeance in January 23, securing the 2nd all-India rank to finally realize her dream.
Flying Officer Ryan Henriques received the “Best in Flying” trophy while Flying Officer Tanya Singh was declared the best in Navigation. Flying Officer Shubham Sharma was adjudged the best in Administration branch and Flying Officer Ashish Kumar, best in Logistics branch.
