Raksha Mantri Flags Off ‘Vayu Veer Vijeta’ Car Rally to Mark 92nd Indian Air Force Anniversary

New Delhi: In celebration of the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh gave a warm send-off to the ‘Vayu Veer Vijeta’ car rally from the National War Memorial, New Delhi. The rally features over 50 air warriors, including women, who will traverse 7,000 kilometers across nine states and union territories, starting from Thoise in Ladakh and concluding in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The expedition will include the participation of former Air Force Chiefs during different segments of the journey.

Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh praised the air warriors for their bravery, dedication, and commitment to safeguarding the nation. “The Indian Air Force has consistently demonstrated its capability to protect the country, ready to strike at its enemies even in the most challenging situations. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, we are committed to equipping the IAF with advanced aircraft and platforms, further enhancing their capabilities through the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative,” he said.

The rally, which will officially be flagged off from Thoise on October 8, one of the world’s highest altitude air force stations, aims to raise awareness about the IAF’s rich history and valor. The route will cover major stops, including Leh, Kargil, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Agra, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Bagdogra, Hasimara, Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dirang, before concluding in Tawang on October 29, 2024.

In addition to celebrating the IAF’s achievements, the rally seeks to inspire youth across the nation. The air warriors will engage with students at schools and colleges along the route, sharing stories of their experiences and encouraging young people to consider a career in the armed forces. The Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that these interactions would ignite a sense of pride and patriotism among the youth, motivating them to serve the country.

The rally has been organized by the IAF in coordination with veterans from the Uttarakhand War Memorial, and the Adventure Cell of the IAF is spearheading the event. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, along with former Chiefs RKS Bhadauria (Retd) and AY Tipnis (Retd), attended the send-off ceremony, further underscoring the importance of the event in celebrating the IAF’s storied legacy.