The Indian Air Force today celebrated its 86th anniversary. A scintillating air display by various aircraft was the hallmark of the Air Force Day Parade at the Air Force Station Hindan in Ghaziabad.
However, the star of this year’s celebrations was the Dakota DC3 aircraft that made it’s maiden appearance in the Fly Past.
The Indian military aircraft, which played a vital role in the 1947-48 India-Pakistan war and other wars, was restored to its original glory, made in flying condition by Rajeev Chandrasekhar and was inducted in to the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force in May this year.
This aircraft was gifted to nation by Rajeev Chandrasekhar and was named Parashurama by him.
MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar is an aviation enthusiast and is the son of an Air Force Officer Air Commodore M.K.Chandrasekhar who served as Trainer of Fighter Aircraft who flew Dakota and was part of several sorties of Dakota as well.
Speaking on IAF Day 2018, Chandrasekhar said “I am delighted see the Dakota participating in it’s maiden fly past. The Dakota is an important part of Air Force’s history – and J&K history. If it was not for the Dakotas and the troops it airlifted in 1947 – Srinagar would not be with India today.
The restoration took over 6 years and cost me a lot of money. But I was motivated mainly for my father and many others who served and the need to remind country of the bravery of IAF and Army in 1947 which kept young independent India together with J&K.
On 13 February 2018, Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar gifted the Dakota bearing the Tail Number VP 905 and called “Parashurama” in a signing ceremony to The Indian Air Force to be added to its Vintage Fleet.
