New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, October 10 presented colours to the Army Aviation Corps in a ceremonial parade, held at Army Aviation Base, Nasik Road.

The colours were received by Combat Army Aviation Training School on behalf of the Army Aviation Corps. Speaking on the occasion, he complimented the Army Aviation Corps and lauded their immense contribution towards nation building.

Army Aviation Corps is the youngest corps of the Indian Army. In the last 32 years it has excelled in all spheres and proved their mettle in various operations. Immediately after its raising in 1986, the Army Aviation Corps proved its impeccable combat credentials during ‘Operation Pawan’ in Sri Lanka. The Siachen Glacier has been the ultimate operational frontier for the Corps since 1984. Routinely operating at 20,000 feet and above in extremely challenging conditions, the highly skilled and motivated pilots of the Corps have been supporting ‘Operation Meghdoot’ with skill and dedication.

The President congratulated Lieutenant General Kanwal Kumar, Director General and Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation and all ranks (both serving and retired) for their devotion to duty and professional conduct.

The ceremony was witnessed by Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra and various civil and military dignitaries. General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General P.S. Rajeshwar, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lieutenant General S.K. Saini, GOC-in-C Southern Command and Lieutenant General P.C. Thimmaya, GOC-in-C ARTRAC alongwith a large number of serving officers and veterans.