"Balance of tradition and innovation necessary": Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Combined Graduation Parade
IAF), a Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) was held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, on Sunday.
The parade was reviewed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also conferred the President's Commission on the graduating Flight Cadets upon successful completion of their training.
The graduating officers included 25 women officers who were commissioned in various branches of the IAF.
On this occasion, eight officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard and two from friendly foreign countries were also awarded wings upon successful completion of their flying training.
The Defence Minister was presented with a general salute by the parade, followed by a march past. Flight Cadets were awarded their 'Stripes' by the Minister were awarded stripes at a 'Commissioning Ceremony'.
The graduating officers were then administered the 'Oath' by the Commandant of the Academy. The Defence Minister also gave awards to the trainees who had excelled in various disciplines of training.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the newly commissioned officers and said, «I congratulate all the trainers who participated in this parade.
This parade shows the efforts you have put in. I also congratulate all the winners of the awards.
Today is one of the greatest days of your life. You are setting out on a new path from today.
You are becoming an officer from a cadet. There is so much difference between a cadet's life and an officer's life.»
He further mentioned that, as an officer now, the graduating trainees will learn from their lives and Open Sky will be their instructor.
«When you are a cadet, your instructor teaches you a lesson and then an exam is
