Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team Meets Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Spectacular Display of the Indian Air Force’s Valour, Courage and Flying Skills to Be a Major Attraction at Rajyotsav
Grand Air Show on November 2 at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur; Five Helicopters to Perform Daring Manoeuvres from 11 AM
Chief Minister Welcomes Sarang Team, Says Event Will Strengthen Patriotism and Spirit of National Service Among Youth
Participation of Two Women Pilots to Inspire Chhattisgarh’s Daughters to Dream Big and Achieve Their Goals
Indigenous ‘Dhruv’ Helicopters to Showcase India’s Growing Technological Capabilities and Aviation Excellence
Raipur, October 28, 2026/ Members of the Indian Air Force’s renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at his residence office in Raipur today. The team presented a memento to the Chief Minister. Welcoming the members warmly to Chhattisgarh, Shri Sai said that their participation in the Rajyotsav event on the occasion of the state’s foundation day, is a matter of pride for the state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the arrival of the world-renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team for Chhattisgarh’s State Foundation Day celebrations is a moment of immense joy and pride for the people. The Indian Air Force commands respect worldwide for its courage, discipline, dedication and professional excellence. The Sarang team’s aerial display will offer a vivid glimpse of these distinguished traditions. He said the air show would be an unforgettable experience for the people of Chhattisgarh, particularly students and young people.
Shri Sai said that the valour and prowess of the Indian Armed Forces are a source of pride and inspiration for every citizen. The daring aerial manoeuvres performed by Sarang pilots with precision, courage and exceptional coordination reflect their rigorous training, discipline and outstanding team spirit. The performance will inspire young people to dream big, face challenges and pursue their goals with determination.
Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is steadily advancing towards self-reliance in defence and aviation. The Sarang team’s display using indigenously developed ‘Dhruv’ helicopters will also showcase India’s technological capabilities, innovation and commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He expressed confidence that the event would further strengthen the spirit of national service among the youth and encourage them to join the Indian Air Force and other branches of the Armed Forces.
Spectacular Aerial Display at Sendh Lake on November 2
On the occasion of Chhattisgarh’s State Foundation Day, the Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team will present a grand air show on November 2 in the Sendh Lake area of Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. Beginning at 11 AM, the special aerial performance will feature five helicopters demonstrating remarkable coordination, precision flying and daring manoeuvres.
Spectators will have the opportunity to witness a range of impressive helicopter formations, coordinated flight patterns and thrilling aerial manoeuvres. The team is particularly known for its close-proximity formation flying and precise execution of synchronised manoeuvres. The performance is expected to be one of the major attractions of Rajyotsav.
The event will give people an opportunity to witness the Indian Air Force’s professional excellence and modern aviation capabilities. For students and young people in particular, it will offer inspiration and an opportunity to explore future possibilities in aviation, science, technology and defence services.
Five Helicopters to Perform Under Group Captain Shri Abhijit Kumar
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team will be led by Group Captain Shri Abhijit Kumar. The team also includes two women pilots, Squadron Leader Ms. Ankita and Squadron Leader Ms. Akshaya. The five helicopters will perform a series of exciting formations and daring aerial manoeuvres.
During his meeting with Chief Minister Shri Sai, Group Captain Shri Abhijit Kumar expressed happiness at the opportunity to participate in Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav. He said being part of the state’s foundation day celebrations is a matter of pride and honour for the Sarang team. He added that the team has consistently showcased the Indian Air Force’s skills, discipline and excellence through its aerial displays in India and abroad.
Group Captain Kumar said the Sarang team’s objective is not merely to entertain audiences with thrilling aerial manoeuvres, but also to inspire young people to embrace courage, confidence, discipline and national service. The Indian Air Force offers wide-ranging opportunities for young people to develop their talents and abilities while serving the nation.
Delivering a message to young people, he said that the sky is full of possibilities for those willing to pursue their dreams. The key is to believe in their aspirations, move forward with determination and work consistently to turn them into reality. No goal, however ambitious, is beyond reach with dedication, discipline and hard work.
Group Captain Kumar said that only three teams worldwide perform this type of helicopter aerobatic display, including the Indian Air Force’s Sarang team. Its distinctive feature is the team’s ability to perform coordinated formation of flights and thrilling manoeuvres with exceptional precision and coordination. Such performances require extraordinary teamwork, concentration, continuous practice and advanced technical proficiency among the pilots.
Indigenous ‘Dhruv’ Helicopters to Showcase India’s Technological Excellence
The Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team is internationally renowned for its distinctive flying style and outstanding formation flying. The team performs using the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), known as Dhruv.
Dhruv helicopter is an important example of India’s modern aviation technology and growing self-reliance in the defence sector. Through complex aerial formations and manoeuvres, the Sarang team showcases the proficiency of Indian Air Force pilots and the country’s technological capabilities.
The helicopters’ striking colour scheme and distinctive design are inspired by India’s national bird, the peacock. Their colourful formations in the sky create a captivating spectacle for spectators. The precise handling of the helicopters, maintenance of designated distances and synchronised changes in formation add to the excitement of the display.
Guided by its motto, “Inspiration Through Excellence”, the Sarang team represents the proud traditions of the Indian Air Force at national and international events. Its performances combine courage with discipline, technical proficiency, mutual trust and collective effort.
Women Pilots to Inspire the Daughters of Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai was particularly pleased to learn about the participation of two women pilots in the Sarang team. He said that women across India are demonstrating their talent, courage and capabilities in every field. Their growing participation in demanding sectors such as defence and aviation reflects the changing face of a new India.
The Chief Minister said that the courage and confidence of women pilots such as Squadron Leader Ms. Ankita and Squadron Leader Ms. Akshaya would inspire the daughters of Chhattisgarh. Their achievements convey the message that with determination, hard work and appropriate opportunities, women can reach any height.
He added that the state’s daughters are making steady progress in education, science, technology, sports and other fields. The display by the women pilots of the Sarang team would encourage them to consider careers in challenging fields such as aviation and defence services.
Air Show to Encourage National Service, Discipline and Team Spirit Among Youth
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Rajyotsav is not merely a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s foundation day, but also an occasion to showcase the state’s achievements, rich cultural heritage and commitment to a bright future. The participation of the Indian Air Force’s Sarang team would add a special sense of national pride to the celebrations.
He said that such events help young people understand the importance of courage, discipline, leadership and collective effort. Every Sarang performance is backed by the pilots’ hard work, years of training and unwavering trust in one another. These qualities are essential for success in every sphere of life.
Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed confidence that the air show in Nava Raipur would deepen public respect and pride in the Indian Air Force. It would also inspire the younger generation to play an active role in nation-building and come forward to serve the country.
Sarang Team’s Display to Add Grandeur to Rajyotsav
The Sarang helicopter air show, organised as part of Chhattisgarh’s State Foundation Day celebrations, will be a special attraction for the state. The daring performance by skilled Indian Air Force pilots flying five helicopters is expected to fill spectators with excitement, pride and enthusiasm.
This event to be organised in the Sendh Lake area of Nava Raipur will give people an opportunity to witness the Indian Air Force’s valour, courage and exceptional flying skills at close quarters. The display will add a new dimension to the grandeur of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav and create lasting memories for the people of the state. Chief Minister’s Adviser Shri R. Krishna Das and Press Officer Shri Alok Singh were also present on the occasion.




