President of India Pranab Mukherjee and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, sharing a lighter moment during President’s Standard presentation at Air Force Station in Ambala

The President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Pranab Mukherjee, awarded the prestigious President’s Standard to 501 Signal Unit and 30 Squadron on November 10, 2016, at a magnificent ceremonial parade held at Air Force Station in Ambala. 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 ceremony was also graced by Kaptan Singh Solanki, Governor of Haryana, Monohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana and senior government officials from Haryana Government, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Chief of Air Staff and Air Marshal S.B. Deo.

AOC-in-C, Western Air Command, Air Marshal Ravinder Kumar Dhir, South Western Air Command, along with other dignitaries were also present on the occasion, besides a host of serving and retired officials of the recipient units.

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, President 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 of India 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.