Amid contemporary warfare, the realm expands beyond mere physicality, metamorphosing into a fluid and intricate terrain heavily influenced by intricate data grids and sophisticated cyber mechanisms, vocalized Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on the day of Saturn.

During his oration at the Congregated Graduation Parade (CGP) for the 213 Officers’ Course at the Aerial Force Academy (AFA) situated in Dundigal nearby, Chaudhari underscored that forthcoming clashes cannot be tackled with antiquated ideologies.

“The contemporary battlefield undergoes perpetual evolution. It transcends the confines of pure physicality. It is progressively shaped by labyrinthine data structures and cutting-edge cyber methodologies. As leaders, adaptation, innovation, and adept utilization of technology are indispensable for achieving decisive victories,” articulated the Air Chief Marshal.

Expounding further, he delineated professionalism, assertiveness, and proactiveness as the foremost revered attributes of leadership. Concurrently, he emphasized the necessity for leaders to be cogitators. “As you embark on this extraordinary expedition, let the foundational principles of the Indian Air Force – mission, integrity, and excellence – illuminate your path,” counseled the newly commissioned officers.

“For us, the individuals donning uniforms, mission attainment reigns supreme. It is imperative for upholding the trajectory, efficacy, and overall triumph of an entity,” he remarked.

He also advocated for the cultivation of a reading habit, affirming its potential for yielding substantial dividends. “The more you peruse, the deeper your comprehension of the intricacies within your domain. A well-read intellect is adept at adapting and leading with perspicuity amidst the enigmatic,” he contended.

While acquiring professional acumen remains paramount, the freshly commissioned officers should refine their prowess in ancillary domains, he suggested. Regarding integrity, he elucidated on the significance of making ethical decisions, upholding the loftiest standards of comportment, and setting a precedent through action, which engenders trust and allegiance amongst team members.

Delving into the IAF’s vision statement of ‘People First, Mission Always,’ Chaudhari implored the freshly minted officers to earn the esteem of their subordinates and peers through professional aptitude, physical and moral valor, character, and empathy. The CGP marks the triumphant culmination of the tutelage of 235 flight cadets from the flying and ground duty branches of the Indian Air Force.

Chaudhari, acting as the Reviewing Officer, conferred the Presidents’ Commission upon the graduating flight cadets upon the successful culmination of their training. Amongst the graduates were 22 female officers commissioned into various branches of the IAF, as per a defense communique. Additionally, nine officers from the Indian Navy, nine officers from the Indian Coast Guard, and one officer from friendly foreign nations were bestowed with ‘Wings’ upon the successful completion of their flight training.

This also signifies the inaugural CGP wherein 25 cadets, who commenced their journey at the National Defense Academy four years prior for Ground Duty branches, were commissioned as officers. The Reviewing Officer bestowed various accolades upon the graduating officers who excelled in diverse disciplines of training.

Flying Officer Happy Singh from the flying branch was honored with the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honor for securing the highest position in the overall order of merit in the pilots’ course, as per the communique.

Flying Officer Taufeeq Raza was awarded the President’s Plaque for attaining the top spot in the overall order of merit in the ground duty officers course, it further added.