Pune: Flying Officer Shripriya Shrikant Modale from Pune has been commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) after standing first in the overall order of merit in the Meteorology branch of the 213 Course. Modale’s achievements range from being a lifeguard and swimming coach to a first aider, self-defense trainer, and national-level player.
The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) was held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, on June 15, 2024, marking the successful culmination of training for 235 flight cadets of both flying and ground duty branches of the IAF. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), conferred the President's Commission to the graduating cadets.
Among the graduates were 22 women officers, including Modale, who were commissioned into various branches of the IAF. The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries from the IAF and sister services, as well as the families of the graduating officers. Additionally, nine officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard, and one from a friendly foreign country were awarded 'Wings' upon completing their flying training.
For the first time, the CGP also saw the commissioning of 25 cadets who joined the National Defence Academy four years ago for Ground Duty branches. Five of these officers have been commissioned in the Administration branch, three in the Logistics branch, and 17 in the Technical branch of the IAF.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal S Shrinivas, Commandant AFA, received the CAS, who was then presented with a General Salute by the parade commander. This was followed by an impressive march past and synchronized fly-pasts by trainer aircraft including Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak helicopters.
The highlight of the parade was the 'Commissioning Ceremony' where the cadets were awarded their 'Rank and Wings' by the Reviewing Officer. The new officers took an oath administered by the academy's Commandant, pledging to safeguard the country's security, safety, sovereignty, and honor.
Flying Officer Happy Singh from the flying branch received the President's Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit in the pilots' course. Flying Officer Taufeeq Raza was awarded the President's Plaque for leading the ground duty officers course.
Addressing the parade, CAS Chaudhari commended the new officers for their impeccable turnout, precise drill movements, and high standards. He congratulated them on their successful training completion and commissioning, urging them to embrace upskilling to become 'multi-domain leaders' essential for modern warfare, which is dynamic and increasingly influenced by complex data networks and advanced cyber technologies.
