IAF's Historic Ensign Reveal: A Symbolic Transformation for Air Force Day
- Posted on October 8, 2023
- Defence
- By Arijit Dutta
- 269 Views
In a historic move, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to reveal its new ensign at the upcoming Air Force Day parade scheduled for October 8 in Prayagraj. This significant transformation aims to better embody the IAF's core values, marking a momentous occasion in its 72-year history.
Source: https://www.iadb.in/
In a historic move, the
Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to reveal its new ensign at the upcoming Air
Force Day parade scheduled for October 8 in Prayagraj. This significant
transformation aims to better embody the IAF's core values, marking a momentous
occasion in its 72-year history.
More than a year after
the Indian Navy underwent a comparable transition, leaving behind its colonial
legacy, the decision to update the IAF's ensign was made. According to the IAF,
"October 8 will be remembered as a significant day in IAF history. The
Chief of Air Staff will reveal the new IAF ensign on this historic day.
The Indian Air Force
crest will be visible in the upper right corner of the updated ensign,
signifying the force's dedication to its principles and traditions. The IAF was
formally founded on October 8, 1932, and in acknowledgment of its
professionalism during World War II, it was given the prefix "Royal"
in March 1945. However, the "Royal" prefix was deleted in 1950 when
India became a republic, and the ensign was modified with the Indian tricolor
in place of the Union Jack.
The new IAF ensign will incorporate the Air Force Crest in the top right corner, featuring the national symbol, the Ashoka lion, along with the words 'Satyameva Jayate' in the Devanagari script below it. Below the lion, a Himalayan eagle with outspread wings symbolizes the IAF's fighting spirit. Encircling the eagle is a light blue ring bearing the words 'Bhartiya Vayu Sena.'
Also Read:
The IAF's motto, 'touch
the sky with the glory,' is inscribed below the Himalayan eagle in Devanagari
script, derived from verse 24, Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita, signifying the
force's aspiration to reach new heights.
The Air Force Day parade
and air display, previously held at the Hindon airbase near Delhi, have now
been moved to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The event will witness the presence of
top military officials, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
This transformation of the IAF's ensign reflects the force's commitment to its heritage and values as it continues to touch the sky with glory. It also marks a historic moment in the IAF's journey towards a more inclusive and representative emblem.
