Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): To lure youth towards joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) and promoting tourism, Jammu and Kashmir administration is organising an Air Show in Srinagar city on September 26. During the show, IAF fighter jets will demonstrate over Dal lake before an enthralling audience.
Pertinently, this is not the first time that IAF jets are participating in an air show in Srinagar. Earlier, on July 10, 2003, the jets have been part of an air show at the same venue. "The Jammu and Kashmir administration has organized the air show under " Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav." They want to attract youth towards aviation sector and promote tourism in the Valley," a senior IAF officer, posted in Srinagar, told ETV Bharat on the condition of anonymity.
"There is minimal participation of Kashmiri youth in aviation particularly IAF. They are not very keen to take up this job profile. We hope the show will boost interest among youth," he added.
Giving more details about the event, he said, "Surya Kiran team and Su-30 jet will perform stunts, a hand-glider will do a demonstration and there will also be a flypast of the MiG-21 Bison jet. There will be a photo exhibition too. Also, the Akash Ganga team will be doing skydiving."
Meanwhile, the divisional commissioner of Kashmir PK Pole claimed that the event is being organised to highlight career opportunities in the aviation sector.
"The air show will be held on September 26, but full dress rehearsals will be conducted on September 25. I am myself monitoring all the preparation for the event. Apart from L-G Manoj Sinha, senior defence officers, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command will be our guest," he said.
"Just as the Bangalore Air Show aims to showcase aviation technology, our Air Show aims to highlight career opportunities in this field. The Department of Tribal Affairs will also shortlist 30 to 40 young people during the event and then provide them with free pilot training." Pole said, adding that the stalls will also be set up there for counselling students interested in the aviation sector.
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