Rajnath urges graduating officers to constantly innovate while maintaining tradition

Hyderabad: Union defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the armed forces must maintain their traditions while simultaneously adopting innovation, striking a balance between the two, for efficient operations.

Speaking at the combined graduation parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, he said that while tradition was time-tested, following it mindlessly would lead to a state of inertia.

“To avoid this situation and keep pace with the constantly evolving times, there is a need to innovate,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, he urged the armed forces to not, in any circumstance, lose their openness towards new ideas, innovative thinking and idealism.

“If we follow only tradition, we will be like a dead lake. We need to be like a flowing river. For that, we will have to bring in innovation along with tradition. Keep flying and touch greater heights, but maintain your connection with the ground,” he said.

A total of 213 Flight Cadets, including 25 women, were commissioned into various branches of the Indian Air Force, marking the successful culmination of their training. He also conferred the President's Commission on the graduating cadets.

Singh was received by the Chief of the Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari.

The graduating officers, after being awarded their stripes, were also administered the oath by the Commandant of the academy.

A highlight of the parade was a synchronised fly-past by trainer aircraft Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, Hawk and Kiran, besides Chetak helicopters.

The defence minister also presented awards to trainees for excellence in multiple disciplines.

Flying Officer Atul Prakash was awarded the President's Plaque and Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit in the pilot course.

Flying Officer Amrinder Jeet Singh was awarded the President's Plaque for standing first in the overall order of merit among ground duty branches.

The parade culminated with the newly commissioned officers marching out in two columns, slowly, to the notes of Rabindranath Tagore's ‘Anandaloke’. An enthralling aerobatic show by Su-30MKI, and synchronous aerobatics by helicopter display team ‘Sarang’ and ‘SuryaKiran’ Aerobatic Team marked the finale.