NationalDefence's video: Best of Combined Graduation Parade At Airforce Academy Dundigal

161 Flight Cadets of Flying and Ground Duty Branches in the Indian Air Force passed out in the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) held at Air Force Academy Dundigal in Hyderabad. CAS ACM RKS Bhadauria, who reviewed the parade conferred President's Commission upon the graduating flight cadets. Six officers from the Indian Navy and 5 officers from the Indian Coast Guard were also awarded ‘Wings’ on successful completion of their flying training. Chief of the Air Staff was presented with a general salute by the Parade followed by an impressive march past. Highlight of the parade was the 'Pipping Ceremony’ in which the graduating flight cadets donned their ‘Stripes' and were awarded ‘Wings’ & ‘Brevets' by the Chief Guest. The newly commissioned officers were then administered the 'Oath' by the Commandant of AFA in the presence of the Reviewing Officer and other dignitaries. Reviewing Officer ACM Bhadauria presented awards to the Trainees who had excelled in various disciplines of their training. Flying Officer Prajwal Anil Kulkarni from Flying branch was awarded the President's Plaque as well as the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in overall order of merit in the Pilots' Course; while Flying Officer Kritika Kulhari was awarded the President's Plaque for being first in overall order of merit in Ground Duty branches. Addressing the Parade, CAS commended the AFA and other Training Establishments for timely completion of the training despite severe Covid constraints placed upon the training infrastructure. He noted the significant milestone achieved by the Air Force Academy in achieving over 20,500 flying hours in the last one year - the highest ever in the Academy’s history. The grand ceremony culminated with the newly commissioned officers stepping out in slow march to the traditional notes of 'Auld Lang Syne'; as they received their first salute from the junior course. They then went past the Saluting Dias and passed through the portals of the Academy, symbolising the beginning of their journey in the IAF. Flypast by Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawks, Kirans and Chetaks as well as display by Sarang, Suryakirans & Akash Ganga Sky Diving team added colour and cheer to an impressive graduation parade. Visual Courtesy: Doordarshan | Indian Air Force .................. Disclaimer:— Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.