CHENNAI: Honouring a helicopter unit for its meritorious works, including its stellar role in confining terrorists to a restricted area during last year’s terror attack on Pathankot Air Force Station, President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said this helped in reducing casualties.
On Friday, the President presented the standard and colours to 125 Helicopter Squadron and Mechanical Training Institute at Air Force Station, Tambaram.
The Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and the Chief Minister ‘Edappadi’ K Palaniswami were also present at the ceremony.
It may be noted that Indian Air Force’s oldest training institute is in Tambaram. The Pathankot-based 125 Helicopter squadron, is also known as Gladiators or ‘Mudalai’ by Sri Lankan Tamils.
Later addressing the gathering, he said, “India, is a responsible and emerging power in multipolar, multilateral world. The ever changing socio- economic and geo-political scenario in our region of influence demands a strong deterrent against those with nefarious designs to affect the progress, prosperity and security of our nation.”
“Apart from providing deterrence against inimical entities, both external and internal, the armed forces have been at the forefront of providing succour to the citizens during natural calamities,” he said.
He also pointed out that the service rendered by the Indian Air Force during floods in Uttarakhand, Kashmir Valley and Tamil Nadu will always be remembered by the entire nation. The President said the IAF has evolved into a technologically advanced entity whilst safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation.
The institute in Tambaram raised in 1935, had undergone changes in nomenclature as well as locations over the years and was rechristened as Mechanical Training Institute in 1980.
The institute strives to lay the foundation for continuous development of technical competence in Mechanical Aviation trades. There was also a display of precision and daredevilry by the Air warriors drill team.
An air show by Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT) won the admiration.