Speech by the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the Presentation of Colour/standard to 59 Sqn and Air Force Technical College

Air Warriors,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me immense pleasure to be with you today, at the Air Force Technical College, to present the Presidential Standard to 59 Squadron and Presidential Colours to the Air Force Technical College. These two Units of the Indian Air Force have excelled themselves in their respective fields and their contribution is being recognized by the Nation. These Units are an embodiment of dedication, professionalism, selfless service and sacrifice. The Nation is very proud of its Armed Forces and holds them in very high esteem.

59 Squadron has been the lifeline for our soldiers and civilian population, in the remote areas of the North-Eastern region. Since its formation in November 1959, the Squadron has been employed for 'Logistics Air Support' role and has operated from all the Advance Landing Grounds in the North-East sector.

The Squadron had played a vital role in the 1962 war, where it carried out daring operations in the face of intense enemy attack. The Squadron also actively participated in the 1971 war. Its efforts in relief operations during the Tsunami that struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in December 2004 and at Male in January 2005, demonstrated the caliber of its crew and the dedication of its personnel. The Squadron has lived up to its motto of "Nishtha, Dhairya, Parishram" to the fullest. I am confident that the Squadron will continue to be a formidable force in the years to come.

The Air Force Technical College which was set up in July 1949 has earned critical peer acclaim and is today acknowledged as one of Asia's leading training institutions in the field of aviation technology. The College has the ability to absorb the latest in technologies and has maintained glorious traditions of innovativeness, adaptation and knowledge, creating a very valuable pool of officers, trained for the business of military aviation. The Air Force Technical College has lived up to its motto "Gyanen Shobha Mahe" which means that it is through "Knowledge that we find pride in ourselves". Its contribution has been invaluable in enhancing the operational potential of the Air Force.

I am glad to know that the Air Force Technical College is the first Training Unit to be awarded the ISO certification. Its eminence in the field of 'Aviation Training' is evident from the fact that 19 foreign countries have trained their alumni at this College apart from many Public Sector Undertakings and sister services. My felicitations and compliments to all the personnel of this unique institution which is engaged in the pursuit of training and grooming the future of the Indian Air Force.

My special felicitations to both, the Training Command and the Eastern Air Command, under whose stewardship both 59 Squadron and Air Force Technical College have put up a very impressive parade. In recognizing the services of these units, the Nation also acknowledges the immense contribution of the Indian Air Force. The Nation is proud of you. I extend my felicitations to all the Air Warriors.

Jai Hind.!!!