Indian Defence Review

Congratulating the newly commissioned officers, the Air Chief said, “I welcome you, young men and women, into the brotherhood of arms.” Impressing upon taking care of those under one’s charge, he said, “With the privilege of commanding men, comes the responsibility of looking after your subordinates. The IAF’s vision statement – ‘People First Mission Always’ contains an important leadership lesson. It implies that while the mission accomplishment is imperative, the focus has to be on our ‘People’. The people placed under your charge will look up to you for guidance and leadership and it will be your sacred duty to prove to be a good role model to them. All your accomplishments hereafter must be the success story of your team. This cohesion and team work when taken together across the IAF would prove to be our biggest force multiplier – much bigger than any of our present or future technology inductions. Your journey into the Air Force will bring you a great amount of joy and happiness. It will also bring you face to face with many challenges, temptations and dilemmas. How you respond to these will ultimately define your strength of character. Make it a point to execute every task, every mission, every assignment the way the Air Force and the Nation expects you to do. This way you will never go wrong and you will look at all challenges as opportunities to grow.” Wishing them continued success and a great career he said, “ I welcome each one of you into the fraternity of the IAF and the Indian Armed Forces. Every morning wear your blue uniform with pride as there can be very few vocations as satisfying and noble as yours. My special thanks goes to the proud parents for giving the gift of these young men and women as they join the Air Force. You have my personal assurance that their safety, care and comfort will remain my highest priority. We will ensure that our people get to fly and operate aircraft and equipment which is the best in the world.”