SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL ON THE OCCASION OF PRESENTATION OF PRESIDENT'S STANDARD TO 31 SQUADRON AND COLOURS TO 9 BRD

Pune, 8th January, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me immense pleasure to be here today at Air Force Station, Pune, a premier base of the Indian Air Force, to confer Standard to '31 Squadron' and Colours to '9 Base Repair Depot'. Both these distinguished units have a rich tradition of professional excellence. Since their inception they have rendered illustrious service to our nation. Their rich heritage and exemplary efforts in the pursuit of excellence have set an example for others to emulate. For their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of adversity, the nation honours them today, with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation.

The Indian Air Force has been fulfilling its role of safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation, and has also been forthcoming in providing civil aid within our borders. The resilience and tenacity of the air warriors is a source of pride for the nation. This is further exemplified in their excellent performance in international exercises, both in India and abroad. This stands testimony to the level of training and preparedness of our Air Force.

As our nation moves ahead on the path of economic growth, it is essential to preserve peace, for which we need an effective deterrence and a strong defence. As a nation we are firmly committed to peace, but we need to be prepared to use all our might to safeguard the sovereignty of our nation. We do not wish to initiate or encourage conflict, but should it be thrust upon us, I am confident that our Armed Forces will rise to the occasion and keep the country's flag flying high. The men and women who stand before us today, epitomize our grit and determination to fulfil our responsibility towards the nation, by upholding the highest standards of conduct. I also take this opportunity to congratulate the air warriors on parade today, for the exemplary level of drill, dress and discipline.

31 Squadron has a glorious operational record. It was formed at Pathankot in September 1963 with Mystere aircraft. The Squadron undertook major ground attack operations in support of our Army's offensive in the Western Sector during the 1965 and 1971 Wars. The Squadron personnel were decorated with several gallantry awards for their role. The Squadron has also actively participated in several major operations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces, and has been a valuable part of our strike force. The Squadron successfully operated the indigenous Marut and MiG 23 aircraft till its number plating in September 2003. Thereafter, the Squadron was resurrected in January 2009 at this Air Base and was re-equipped with the state of the art, modern SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The Squadron has always lived up to its motto of 'Shatrum Chhidrey Praharet to the fullest. I am confident that the Squadron will go from strength to strength, and continue to remain a formidable force in the years to come.

9 Base Repair Depot has completed 44 glorious years of service to the IAF. I am pleased to know that since its inception in 1966, the Depot has been involved in maintenance and repair of ground and airborne electronic equipment. In its formative years, the Depot was a trend-setter in innovations on Canberra aircraft. Today, the Depot repairs a vast range of equipment ranging from radio navigation aids, airfield support equipment and various airborne avionics equipment. The Depot has been in the forefront, having acquired the ISO 9002 Certificate in 1998 and the ISO 9001 Certificate in the year 2003. The Depot has embarked on modernization of infrastructure, setting up of new repair lines with an endeavour to meet the demands of the Indian Air Force in the years ahead.

In acknowledgement and recognition of their outstanding performance, I award Standard to 31 Squadron and Colours to 9 Base Repair Depot. On this occasion I take the opportunity to acknowledge and compliment the personnel and families of 31 Squadron and 9 Base Repair Depot, for their continued sacrifice and service to the nation. The nation is indeed proud of you. I wish you all the very best for a glorious future. I also wish you a successful and prosperous 2011.

Jai Hind!