Freedom Fighter Gets Sky Salute: IAF Surya Kiran Team to Perform in Honour of Veer Kunwar Singh

Patna: To mark the birth anniversary of Babu Veer Kunwar Singh, a revered hero of India’s First War of Independence, the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team will perform a dazzling aerial display today over JP Ganga Path (also known as Marine Drive) in Patna. The event, part of the Shaurya Diwas celebrations, promises to be a historic moment for Bihar, as it hosts a full-scale IAF air show for the first time.

The celebrations will begin at 10am with a paragliding display, during which 10 IAF personnel will descend while carrying the national tricolour and a portrait of Veer Kunwar Singh—a tribute to the freedom fighter’s legacy. The paragliding segment is expected to last 20 minutes.

From 10.20am to 11am, the skies above the Ganges will roar to life as nine Surya Kiran trainer jets perform synchronised stunts and formations. While the jets flew at approximately 2,000 feet during their Tuesday rehearsal, officials said they would fly at lower altitudes during today’s display for greater visual impact.

Due to national mourning following the death of a prominent religious leader, the event will proceed without a formal inauguration. However, the air show will go ahead as planned. Entry to the venue is restricted to those with invitation letters, and heavy security is in place for the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and other dignitaries.

The aerial tribute has been made possible by the efforts of Chhapra MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who played a key role in coordinating the event with the Ministry of Defence. Speaking to reporters, Rudy expressed his delight, saying, “On the first day, I had a great time watching the show with children. This is the first time such an air display is taking place in Bihar on Shaurya Diwas—it’s a proud moment for us all.”