India will use all might to protect its sovereignty: President

President Pranab Mukherjee today said India is firmly committed to peace but is always prepared to deploy its military might to safeguard its sovereignty as he decorated two gallant IAF fighter aircraft squadrons at a strategic border airbase here.
Mukherjee, the supreme commander of the armed forces, presented the President's Standards to the 22nd and 18th Squadrons of the Indian Air Force operating the strike and combat superior MiG-27 aircraft to secure Indian skies along the eastern theatre during peace times and war.
The Squadrons are based here in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, strategically located right across the India-Bhutan border with the task to keep a vigil over the entire north east border skies of India.

"India's increasing eminence in the comity of nations draws its strength from the capabilities of our armed forces. Though we remain firmly committed to peace, we will use all our might to protect the sovereignty of the nation. I am confident that our valiant men and women in uniform will rise to the occasion," the President said after he accorded the honours to the two strike formations of the IAF.
He lauded the air force by calling it the "cutting edge" of India's military might and praised its men and women as he said the armed forces, "exemplified by the air warriors who stand before us, reflect our steely resolve to defend our interests."

The President's Standards are given to armed forces' units which render exceptional and dedicated service over a period of time.

While the 18th Squadron, called the 'Flying Bullets', was
formed in 1965 in Ambala the 22nd Squadron was raised in 1966 in Bareilly and subsequently based at the Hasimara air force station here.
Mukherjee praised the IAF's role in carrying out numerous humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations especially during the 2013 deluge in the hill state of Uttarakhand and during the earthquake in neighbouring Nepal in April this year.
"The nation is indeed proud of you," he said complimenting the two units and the air force.

The two air strike units decorated today have played important roles during the 1971 Indo-Pak war with the 18th Squadron being the lone recipient of the highest battle-time gallantry medal-- the Param Vir Chakra-- for the dare devil operation of its Flying Officer N J S Sekhon who successfully brought down Pakistani air force 'Sabre' fighter jets in skilled dogfights.
The 22nd Squadron, also called 'The Swifts' for their fast and precision skills, earned its laurels during the same war when its fighters brought down three Pakistani jets over Jessore in a single sortie.
The Squadrons are based in the border areas as the first IAF responders in case of any offensive from the eastern front where apart from other nations, China is the predominant Indian neighbour.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and senior air force officers were present at the event along with state government officials.
During the event, the President also reviewed the parade even as multiple MiG-27s flew past as a mark of honour for the event and IAF drill teams, the Hawk aircraft flying 'Surya Kiran' and Sukhoi 30 acrobatic teams performed some daring manoeuvres on the ground and in the air simultaneously.
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Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee lauded Kerala for its achievements in various fields like education, health and women empowerment over the last few decades.
"The remarkable advancements have been made possible only because of the combined efforts of the government, various social organisations and hardwork and enterprise of the people," he said.

The people of Kerala enjoy a quality of life that compares favourably with many developed countries in the world, he added.
"A multi-religious and multi-ethnic society has co-existed in harmony for centuries in Kerala fostering a culture of inclusiveness and tolerance which symbolizes the concept of 'unity in diversity'", Mukherjee added.
On the novel concept of "Gender Park", he said, though Kerala was a pioneer in gender equity measure, more gender-focussed approach was necessary where all genders have equal access to development opportunities, resources and benefits and have equal voice in decision-making areas.
The "Kanivu" scheme is yet another initiative of the state, which has a long tradition of care and compassion, the President said adding, despite Kerala having a robust social safety net a large section of the people find it difficult to cope with the problems of destitution, chronic or life threatening diseases and disabilities.

The state government which has earmarked Rs 100 crore for this project would shoulder the responsibility and bring in all its social security and social care initiatives under the umbrella of "Kanivu" of "Compassionate Kerala" scheme, he said.
On the Digital Literacy Campaign, he said it would enable ordinary people to effectively use the internet to avail the government and private services in a secure manner.
Talking about the UL CyberPark, the President said it will provide employment for about 4,500 professionals besides indirect employment for over 20,000 in the first phase.
The society, formed in 1925, has played a vital role in the socio-economic development of Malabar region and helped improving the living standards of economically weaker sections by providing them opportunities, Mukherjee added.