Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai welcomes team; five indigenous Dhruv helicopters to showcase spectacular aerial manoeuvres at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur
Raipur, October 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday met members of the Indian Air Force’s renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team at his residence office in Raipur ahead of their performance at the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav celebrations.
The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the team to Chhattisgarh and described its participation in the state’s foundation day celebrations as a matter of pride. During the meeting, team members presented a memento to Sai.
The Sarang team will stage a grand air show on November 2 at the Sendh Lake area in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The performance will begin at 11 am, with five helicopters demonstrating spectacular aerial formations, precision flying and daring manoeuvres.
Sai said the arrival of the internationally acclaimed team would bring great excitement and pride to the people of Chhattisgarh. He noted that the Indian Air Force was respected worldwide for its courage, discipline, dedication and professional excellence.
He said the air show would offer an unforgettable experience, particularly for young people and students, while showcasing the Indian Air Force’s outstanding traditions.
Air show to inspire youth and promote patriotism
The Chief Minister said the valour and courage of India’s armed forces were a source of pride and inspiration for every citizen.
He observed that the complex aerial manoeuvres performed by Sarang pilots reflected rigorous training, exceptional precision, discipline and outstanding teamwork.
Such performances, he said, would encourage young people to dream big, face challenges confidently and pursue their goals with determination.
Sai added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India was steadily advancing towards self-reliance in defence and aviation. The Sarang team’s display using indigenously developed Dhruv helicopters would highlight the country’s technological capabilities, innovation and commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
He expressed confidence that the event would strengthen the spirit of patriotism and encourage young people to consider careers in the Indian Air Force and other armed forces.
Five helicopters to perform under Group Captain Abhijit Kumar
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team will be led by Group Captain Abhijit Kumar. The team also includes two women pilots, Squadron Leader Ankita and Squadron Leader Akshaya.
The five helicopters will perform coordinated formations and challenging aerial manoeuvres, offering spectators an opportunity to witness the pilots’ precision and flying skills.
During his meeting with the Chief Minister, Group Captain Kumar expressed happiness at being invited to participate in the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav celebrations. He said it was an honour for the team to be part of the state’s foundation day festivities.
He noted that the Sarang team had been showcasing the Indian Air Force’s skill, discipline and excellence at events in India and abroad.
Kumar said the team’s objective extended beyond entertaining audiences with spectacular aerial displays. It also aimed to inspire young people to develop courage, confidence, discipline and a commitment to national service.
He encouraged youngsters to believe in their dreams, work consistently towards their goals and remain determined in the face of challenges.
According to Kumar, the Sarang team is among only three teams in the world that perform aerobatic displays using helicopters. Its five helicopters execute closely coordinated formations and manoeuvres that require exceptional concentration, technical expertise, continuous practice and mutual trust among pilots.
Indigenous Dhruv helicopters showcase India's aviation capabilities
The Sarang team is internationally recognised for its distinctive flying style and precision in coordinated aerial displays. It performs using the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.
The Dhruv helicopter represents India’s progress in modern aviation technology and growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Through complex aerial formations, the Sarang team demonstrates the capabilities of these indigenous helicopters and the professional excellence of Indian Air Force pilots.
The helicopters’ distinctive colour scheme and design are inspired by India’s national bird, the peacock. Their colourful formations, synchronised movements and precisely controlled changes in flight patterns create a striking spectacle in the sky.
Operating under the motto “Excellence in Motion,” the Sarang team represents the Indian Air Force’s proud traditions at national and international events. Its performances combine courage, technical proficiency, discipline, mutual trust and teamwork.
Women pilots to inspire Chhattisgarh’s daughters
Chief Minister Sai expressed particular happiness over the participation of two women pilots in the Sarang team.
He said women were demonstrating their talent, courage and capabilities across every field, while their growing participation in demanding sectors such as defence and aviation reflected the changing face of a new India.
Sai said the achievements of Squadron Leaders Ankita and Akshaya would inspire girls in Chhattisgarh to pursue ambitious careers.
Their example, he said, demonstrated that with determination, hard work and the right opportunities, women could achieve the highest goals.
He added that the women pilots’ performance would encourage young women in the state to explore careers in aviation, defence services, science, technology and other challenging fields.
Rajyotsav air show to be a major attraction
The Chief Minister said Rajyotsav was not merely a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s formation but also an occasion to showcase the state’s achievements, rich cultural heritage and aspirations for the future.
The participation of the Sarang team would add a special element of national pride to the celebrations, he said.
Sai noted that events of this nature helped young people understand the importance of discipline, leadership, courage and collective effort. Behind every performance by the team lay years of training, sustained hard work and unwavering trust among its pilots.
He expressed confidence that the air show at Nava Raipur would deepen public admiration for the Indian Air Force and inspire the younger generation to contribute actively to nation-building.
The November 2 event at Sendh Lake is expected to be one of the major attractions of the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav celebrations, giving residents an opportunity to witness the Indian Air Force’s aerial skills and technological capabilities.
The air show is expected to leave spectators with a memorable experience of the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian Air Force.
Chief Minister’s Adviser R. Krishna Das and Press Officer Alok Singh were also present during the meeting.
