TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 5, 2025: The skies above Sendh Reservoir in Nava Raipur turned into a grand canvas of patriotism and pride on Tuesday as the Indian Air Force’s elite Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team staged a stunning air show to mark the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh’s statehood. The spectacle, filled with color, thunder, and flawless precision, left thousands of spectators spellbound.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, along with cabinet ministers and thousands of citizens, watched as the jets streaked across the sky in mesmerizing formations. The event encapsulated the spirit of the Silver Jubilee celebrations — a tribute to Chhattisgarh’s progress and India’s aerial excellence.
As the aircrafts soared over the glistening waters of Sendh Reservoir, the Surya Kiran team executed daring maneuvers that painted the sky with the Indian tricolor. The synchronized formations drew loud cheers of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” from the enthusiastic crowd. Adding a deeply emotional moment, Squadron Leader Gaurav Patel — a native of Chhattisgarh — saluted his home state from the cockpit with the words “Jai Johar” and “Chhattisgarhiya Sabse Badhiya,” stirring a wave of pride among the spectators.
From dazzling loops to diamond and heart formations, the precision and grace of the Surya Kiran team held the audience captive. The one-hour show highlighted the Indian Air Force’s discipline, teamwork, and technical mastery. Under the leadership of Wing Commander A.V. Singh, helicopter units One-F-9 and One-F-8 demonstrated intricate sky-operation maneuvers. In a thrilling segment, 14 Garud Commandos rappelled down from hovering “Adidev” helicopters just 15 meters above the ground, while others performed mid-air operations simulating rescue and combat missions — drawing thunderous applause.
The crowd’s excitement peaked when nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft created a heart formation to commemorate Chhattisgarh’s 25th Foundation Day. This was followed by a DNA formation in tricolor hues — symbolizing India’s unity and shared destiny — and a 360-degree roll dedicated to the youth of India. Cameras and mobile phones filled the air as onlookers captured every breathtaking moment of the aerial ballet.
Among the dignitaries present were Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap, Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Revenue Minister Tankram Verma, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, and Member of Parliament Brijmohan Agrawal.
Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, serving as the live commentator, narrated the aerial maneuvers, offering insights into the technical precision and rigorous training that go into every performance. He highlighted how each pilot’s split-second timing and coordination exemplify the Indian Air Force’s unmatched professionalism.
Formed in 1996, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team — Asia’s only nine-aircraft formation aerobatic squadron — operates India’s indigenously built HAL Hawk Mk-132 jets. With 13 pilots, engineering officers, and a medical team, the unit has performed over 700 shows across India and abroad, representing the country in nations including China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, and the UAE.
The Surya Kiran team’s mission extends beyond spectacle — it seeks to inspire India’s youth to serve the nation with honor and valor. Each maneuver performed over Nava Raipur’s skies was a salute to courage, unity, and discipline — values that define both the Indian Air Force and the people of Chhattisgarh.
For the thousands gathered by the Sendh Reservoir, the air show was more than an exhibition of flying skill. It was a moment of collective pride — a soaring symbol of Chhattisgarh’s silver jubilee and India’s indomitable spirit.
