# Why Indian Air Force Day is celebrated today
Today, October 8, marks the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the fourth largest air force in the world. The IAF is a vital component of India's defence and security, and has a glorious history of valour, sacrifice and innovation. On this day, the nation pays tribute to the brave men and women who serve in the IAF and protect India's skies from any threat.
## History of Indian Air Force Day
The IAF was established on October 8, 1932, as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire. It was then known as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF). The RIAF played a significant role in World War II, fighting against the Axis powers in various theatres. After India gained independence in 1947, the RIAF was renamed as the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1950.
The IAF has participated in several wars and conflicts since then, both with Pakistan and China. Some of the notable ones are:
- The First Kashmir War (1947-48): The IAF provided air support to the Indian Army in repelling the Pakistani invaders from Kashmir.
- The Liberation of Goa (1961): The IAF conducted air strikes against the Portuguese colonial forces in Goa, paving the way for its integration into India.
- The Sino-Indian War (1962): The IAF provided crucial air support to the Indian Army in defending the border areas from the Chinese aggression.
- The Second Kashmir War (1965): The IAF engaged in fierce aerial combat with the Pakistani Air Force (PAF), and inflicted heavy losses on them.
- The Bangladesh Liberation War (1971): The IAF played a decisive role in creating an air superiority over East Pakistan, and supported the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini in liberating Bangladesh from Pakistan.
- The Kargil War (1999): The IAF launched Operation Safed Sagar, and conducted air strikes against the Pakistani intruders in the Kargil sector.
The IAF has also been involved in various humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, both within and outside India. Some of them are:
- Operation Meghdoot (1984): The IAF helped capture the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, from Pakistan.
- Operation Cactus (1988): The IAF prevented a coup attempt by the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) in Maldives, and rescued the President and his family.
- Operation Rahat (2013): The IAF conducted one of the largest civilian rescue operations in history, airlifting over 20,000 people stranded by the Uttarakhand floods.
- Operation Sankat Mochan (2016): The IAF evacuated over 150 Indian citizens from war-torn South Sudan.
- Operation Devi Shakti (2021): The IAF evacuated over 600 people from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover.
The IAF has also collaborated with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space in various space missions. Rakesh Sharma, who became the first Indian to go into space in 1984, was an IAF pilot.
## Significance of Indian Air Force Day
Indian Air Force Day is a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the IAF to the nation. It is also a day to honour the courage and sacrifice of the IAF personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. It is a day to inspire and motivate the young generation to join the IAF and serve the country with pride and passion.
On this day, various events and ceremonies are held across the country to showcase the prowess and professionalism of the IAF. The main event is held at Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi, where an impressive parade and aerial display are organised. The President, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, confers gallantry awards to the deserving personnel. The Chief of Air Staff addresses the nation and highlights the achievements and challenges of the IAF.
The theme for this year's Indian Air Force Day is "IAF - Airpower Beyond Boundaries", which reflects the IAF's pursuit of excellence, innovation and its role as the guardian of India's airspace. The theme also signifies that the IAF is ready to face any challenge or threat that may arise from any direction or dimension.
## Wishes, Quotes and Movies on Indian Air Force Day
On this occasion, people can express their gratitude and admiration for the IAF by sending wishes, quotes and messages to their friends and family. Some examples are:
- Happy Indian Air Force Day to all our brave warriors who soar high in the sky and keep our nation safe and secure. Jai Hind!
- Salute to our sky warriors who defend our motherland with their courage and skill. Happy Indian Air Force Day!
- On this Indian Air Force Day, let us remember the sacrifices of our air warriors who have made us proud with their valour and dedication. Happy Indian Air Force Day!
- The Indian Air Force is not just a force, it is a way of life. Happy Indian Air Force Day to all the air warriors and their families!
- The Indian Air Force is the pride of our nation, the glory of our skies and the shield of our sovereignty. Happy Indian Air Force Day!
People can also watch some movies and documentaries that depict the history and heroism of the IAF. Some examples are:
- Border (1997): A war drama film based on the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 war, where the IAF provided crucial air support to the outnumbered Indian Army.
- Rang De Basanti (2006): A patriotic film that portrays the lives of six young friends who are inspired by the stories of freedom fighters, including an IAF pilot who dies in a MiG-21 crash.
- Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020): A biographical film that narrates the story of Gunjan Saxena, the first Indian female air force officer to fly in a combat zone during the Kargil War.
- Bhuj: The Pride of India (2021): A historical war film that depicts the events of the 1971 war, where an IAF officer and his team reconstructed a destroyed airstrip in Bhuj with the help of local villagers.
- Breaking Point: Indian Air Force Academy (2017): A documentary series that follows the journey of aspiring cadets at the Indian Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Indian Air Force Day is a day to celebrate the spirit and strength of the IAF, and to salute its brave and brilliant personnel. It is a day to reaffirm our faith and confidence in the IAF, and to express our gratitude and respect for its service to the nation. It is a day to say "Touch the Sky with Glory". Happy Indian Air Force Day!