Indian Air Force Day 2022- History, Significance, Current Theme, Quotes & How is it Celebrated?

Updated October 3, 2022

Each year, Indian Air Force Day or “Bhartiya Vaayu sena divas” is celebrated on 8 October nationwide. The very special occasion seeks to honor Indian Air Force (IAF), highlight their great job, and to acknowledge their contribution in emboldening national security.

Also, the day is observed to create awareness around the world about IAF as an organization committed to build authority of India as a strong nation. Official celebration of Indian Air Force Day is organized at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The IAF chief and senior members of the three-armed forces are specially present to grace the day.

The date 8 October has been designated as IAF Day to mark the foundation of air defense of India. On this day in 1932, the Air Force in India was officially established and raised as a supplemental force to the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom (UK).

History of Indian Air Force Day

As we have mentioned above, on October 1932 Indian Air Force was formally established by the British Empire. And the first flight came on 1 April 1933. Therefore, the observation of IAF Day officially began on 8 October in the year 1932 to generate awareness about the Indian air force. 

It’s a fact that besides, Indian Navy and Army, the Indian Air Force has been a significant and essential part of the nation’s defense system. The first time IAF came into remarkable action during the Waziristan conflict against the tribal. Later, the IAF significantly expanded during the Second World War.

The IAF has proven to be an excellently reliable defense force during the wars, particularly in Burma. The IAF earned the prefix of Royal in 1945 as a result of its accomplishments and anonymous commitment, being known as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).

Significance of the IAF Day

The Indian Air Force comprises highly skilled crews and pilots and has access to modern military technology, which allows India to carry out fast response evacuation, search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, and cargo aircraft delivery of aid to afflicted areas.

The Indian Air Force is the air weapon and a vital part of the Indian armed forces, which does significant work in the battle fought by the nation. Surprisingly, the Indian Air Force not only defends Indian territory but also offers support during natural disasters in the nation. 

Hence, 8 October has been created as Indian Air Force Day to raise awareness worldwide about IAF (Indian Air Force). The occasion lends us opportunity to pay tribute to soldiers’ sacrifices. The day also, recognizes the tireless efforts of our Jawans and the entire Air Force Organization. We acknowledge IAF’s contribution to national security.

The Theme of Indian Air Force Day 2022

The IAF defends Indian territory from all threats. Also provides help in the time of natural disasters in the nation. The day is celebrated to honor the selfless efforts of our Air forces. Every year, IAF Day is marked with a unique theme.

2019 – “Know your Air Force.”
2020 – “The untiring efforts and supreme sacrifices of its personnel.”
2021 – “Touching the Sky with Glory.”
2022- Not decided yet. 

How to Celebrate Indian Air Force Day?

Air Force Day is observed with dedication and pride at some Air craft bases all over the country. On this day, all Air Force units in several states conducted their parades at their respective air stations. The IAF’s Supreme Commander is the National Commander of the air force and also contributes in various ways.

This unique event is marked at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad city, Uttar Pradesh, each year. Senior military officials of the three-armed forces and the IAF chief attend the event. These observations include an air show where significant and vintage aircraft display exotic performances.

You can celebrate this occasion by visiting air camps near you. If you are dreaming to become a pilot of a fighter jet, this day would be ideal day to make a promise to yourself that you would surely make it to IAF.

You can try to learn more about the IAF on this day. Watch movies and documentaries and read books related to the Air Force. Use #airforceday #indianairforceday #Indianairforceday2022 on social media to celebrate this day online.

Indian Air Force Day Quotes

(I) “Discipline is the soul of an Army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to all of the weak, and esteem to all.”  – George Washington
(II) “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” – Albert Einstein
(III) “Those of us who have never been in the military don’t understand what it is like to serve in the military.” – Gina Barreca

(IV) “No real change in history has ever been achieved by discussions.” – Subhas Chandra Bose
(V) “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.” – Dan Lipinski
(VI) “Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail.” – Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey

(VII) “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
(VIII) “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” – Dwight D Eisenhower

(IX) “I regret I have but one life to give for my country.” – Unknown
(X) “Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure.” – Capt. Vikram Batra

Frequently Asked Questions on IAF Day

Q. When is Indian Air Force Day?

Ans: 8 October is when we celebrate Indian Air Force Day.

Q. Why IAF Day is Observed?

Ans: To mark the foundation of IAF, to raise awareness worldwide about IAF and to pay tribute and to recognize the sacrifices of soldiers’ from Air Force Organization.

Q. Why is IAF Day celebrated on 8 October?

Ans: To mark the IAF’s foundation. On this day in 1932, the Air Force in India was officially established and raised as a supplemental force to the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom (UK).

Q. When was the first Air Force Day?

Ans: The Celebration officially began on 8 October 1932.

Q. When was the Indian Air Force Founded?

Ans: On October 1932 Indian Air Force was formally established by the British Empire. And the first flight came on 1 April 1933.

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