Kumar Bahukhandi
Members of the Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team present a memento to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his residence office in Raipur on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The team is scheduled to perform at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur during Rajyotsav on November 2. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Five helicopters scheduled to perform from 11 am on November 2; Chief Minister says women pilots will inspire Chhattisgarh’s daughters to pursue ambitious dreams
Key Highlights
- Members of the Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team met Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur on Wednesday.
- The team is scheduled to present an air show at Sendh Lake, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, on November 2, beginning at 11 am.
- Five indigenous Dhruv helicopters will participate in the display, according to the state government’s release.
- The team will be led by Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar and includes Squadron Leaders Ankita and Akshaya.
- Sai said the event would encourage interest in aviation, discipline, teamwork and service to the nation.
Raipur: Members of the Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team called on Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his residence office on Wednesday, October 28, ahead of their scheduled aerial display during Chhattisgarh’s Rajyotsav celebrations.
The team presented a memento to the Chief Minister, who welcomed its members and described their participation in the state’s foundation celebrations as a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh.
According to the state government’s release, the Sarang team will perform over the Sendh Lake area in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar on Monday, November 2, from 11 am. Five helicopters are scheduled to demonstrate coordinated formations and precision flying.
An inspiring experience for young people
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai interacts with members of the Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team at his residence office in Raipur on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, ahead of their scheduled Rajyotsav air show. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Sai said the Indian Air Force’s courage, discipline, dedication and professional skill were a source of national pride. The Sarang display, he added, would offer people an opportunity to witness these qualities through the pilots’ flying skills.
The Chief Minister said the air show would be a memorable experience for Chhattisgarh’s residents, particularly students and young people, and would strengthen their interest in serving the nation.
He said the precision and coordination required for demanding aerial manoeuvres reflected rigorous training and strong teamwork. These qualities, he added, could inspire young people to pursue ambitious goals and face challenges with determination.
Five-helicopter display at Sendh Lake
The November 2 programme is expected to be a major attraction of the Rajyotsav celebrations.
The display will feature coordinated flying, changing formations and carefully controlled manoeuvres. Close formation flying and precise handling are among the distinguishing features of the Sarang team’s performances.
The government said the event would also give students an opportunity to learn about aviation, science, technology and careers in the defence services.
| Air show detail | Scheduled information |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, November 2, 2026 |
| Time | From 11 am |
| Venue | Sendh Lake area, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar |
| Display team | Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team |
| Aircraft | Five Dhruv helicopters, according to the release |
Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar to lead team
The visiting team will be led by Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar. Its members include two women pilots, Squadron Leader Ankita and Squadron Leader Akshaya.
During the meeting, Group Captain Kumar expressed happiness at the opportunity to participate in Chhattisgarh’s State Foundation Day celebrations. He said Sarang’s performances in India and abroad showcased the Indian Air Force’s skill, discipline and professional standards.
He explained that the team’s purpose extended beyond entertaining spectators: it also sought to encourage courage, confidence, discipline and an interest in national service among young people.
Group Captain Kumar urged young people to believe in their aspirations and work consistently towards them. Commitment, discipline and sustained effort, he said, were essential to achieving demanding goals.
Indigenous Dhruv helicopters to feature
The Sarang team performs with the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, developed in India.
Sai said the use of indigenous helicopters would showcase India’s technological capabilities, innovation and efforts towards greater self-reliance in defence and aviation.
Sai said the Sarang display would introduce spectators to India’s growing aviation capabilities while encouraging young people to explore opportunities in the armed forces.
The helicopters’ distinctive colours and design draw inspiration from the peacock, India’s national bird. Their coordinated formations combine visual spectacle with demanding flying skills.
The release described Sarang’s motto as “Inspiring Excellence”, reflecting its emphasis on professional standards and motivating audiences.
Women pilots offer inspiration
The Chief Minister welcomed the participation of the two women pilots and said their achievements would inspire girls in Chhattisgarh.
He said women were demonstrating their capabilities across challenging fields, including defence and aviation, and that their increasing participation reflected expanding opportunities.
Sai said the confidence and achievements of Squadron Leaders Ankita and Akshaya would encourage Chhattisgarh’s daughters to dream bigger and pursue careers in aviation and defence.
He added that determination, hard work and access to opportunities could help girls reach new heights in their chosen fields.
Discipline, leadership and teamwork
Sai said Rajyotsav was an occasion to celebrate Chhattisgarh’s achievements and cultural heritage while renewing its aspirations for the future.
The Sarang team’s participation, he said, would bring an additional sense of national pride to the celebrations. He noted that every display depended on extensive preparation, technical proficiency and trust among team members.
The Chief Minister said courage, discipline, leadership and collective effort were valuable not only in aviation, but in every field of life.
Chief Minister’s Adviser R. Krishna Das and Press Officer Alok Singh were also present during the meeting.
