THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 9: President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Air Force Squadron-221, under the leadership of Jharkhand youngster Subhankan, the Award of Presidents Standard 2024 during a function held on Friday at Hindon Airbase in New Delhi. The young person is carrying out his duties as a group captain in the Indian Air Force.
His father and a Ranchi University professor, Sushil Akan, informed this, sharing his happiness.
Proud father expresses happiness
“Today is a proud moment for the entire country, including Jharkhand, for me and I think for all of us too, as my son, Group Captain Subhankan’s Squadron 221, was awarded the President’s Standard 2024 Award for good works by the President of India. Group Captain Subhankan presented the insignia of his squadron to the President, and Group Captain Subhankan also held the insignia along with the President. Squadron 45 also received the same honour,” said Ankan, sharing some of the pictures of the historic moment.
“Apart from Squadron No 221, led by my son Subhankan, Squadron No. 45, led by M Surendran, also received the same award,” Ankan said.
11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 509 Signal Unit also honoured
Sharing the success of others, Ankan said: “11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 509 Signal Unit of the Indian Air Force were also honoured with the President’s Colour. Many dignitaries were present, including Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary, the Chief of Air Staff, senior Air Force officers, and the former Defense Minister.”
Also Read: Jharkhand: Ranchi-based fashion designer Nidhi Kumar wins National Designer Award 2023
The President’s Standard and Colors is the highest honour awarded to military units. This is the first time in the Indian Air Force’s history that four units have been awarded the President’s Standard and Colours simultaneously at a single ceremony.
President praises IAF
In her address, President Droupadi Murmu praised the Indian Air Force for its committed services towards the nation.
On the occasion of this felicitation programme, the President, while highlighting the roles of the Air Force, highly appreciated the Indian Air Force’s contribution to the country’s ongoing space programmes and the Gaganyaan Mission.
No. 221 Squadron ‘Valiants’ carried out one-third of the Indian Air Force’s offensive sorties during the 1999 Kargil conflict and took a toll on the enemy.
Vampire aircraft
221 Squadron was raised at Barrackpore in 1963 with Vampire aircraft and was later equipped with the Sukhoi Su-7 supersonic attack fighter. The squadron was also awarded Battle Honors for its outstanding performance during this war.
JVM alumnus
Subhankan received his education from St. Francis School Harmu and D.A.V. Jawahar Vidya Mandir Shyamali Mecon Ranchi. In 2000, after passing the UPSC competitive examination, he entered the National Defense Academy (NDA) in the Air Force. After being trained in Dundigal, Hyderabad, his services were provided to the Indian Air Force. He has also been posted in America and Britain. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of Halwara Airbase.
