Cuttack, Dec. 23: Indian Air Force (IAF) today dedicated the air show to the martyrs of the Kalinga War.
The Kalinga War, which was fought between Mauryan emperor Ashoka and a local king in 261 BC, remains an important milestone in the annals of Indian history. According to some historians, the bloodshed during the war moved Ashoka so much that he renounced violence and embraced Buddhism.
In remembrance of those who lost their lives in the gory battle, a 110-member team of the Air Force showcased a scintillating display of co-ordination and strength through various manoeuvres and flying skills.
The air show was organised by the state government to commemorate the centenary celebrations of former chief minister Biju Patnaik.
Three teams of the IAF, including six Hawk fighter jets (Surya Kiran), four advanced light helicopters (Sarang) and a team of paratroopers (Akash Ganga), performed at the air show that was organised on a stretch of Kathajodi riverbed here.
Lakhs of spectators witnessed the mega show that was organised here after six years. Governor S.C. Jamir and chief minister Naveen Patnaik were among the dignitaries who watched the 45-minute show.
The pilots of four advanced light helicopters of Sarang team were at their best when they performed scintillating manoeuvres, including the dolphin leap and double arrow cross at a gap of less than 50 metres.
Squadron Leader Sneha Kulkarni, the first lady pilot of the Sarang team, stole the show by setting a trend in aerobatics that was appreciated by the audience.
"It was for the first time that I witnessed such a world-class air show in Odisha. It is a matter of pride that the people got a chance to witness such a unique display by the expert team of the Indian Air Force here," said Biswaranjan Das, 36, a resident of Mahanadi Vihar.
Wing Commander Mayank Nautial told The Telegraph that the performance by Sarang, as well as Surya Kiran teams, were one of the best keeping in view the challenges they had to face.
"Bird menace, high-rise buildings and high tension wires all create problems in the flight of fighter aircraft. Despite such problems here, our teams successfully managed to perform a great show that was appreciated by the audiences," said Nautial.
Though the district administration claimed that they had made elaborate arrangements for public viewing of the mega air show, many spectators were dissatisfied over the post-event arrangements as they were stranded near the venue for more than two hours.
"It took us nearly two hours to cover a distance of 500 metres from Khan Nagar to Raja Bagicha as no measure was taken to regulate the crowd after the event," said Suresh Sharma, a resident of Pithapur.
Besides, mismanagement was also reported near the entry point of spectators at gate No. 2 that was meant for VIPs and other invited guests. At least four persons, including two minor girls, suffered injuries when a section of the crowd tried to forcibly enter the special enclosure.
"I was allotted a special pass and there was utter chaos at the venue when I reached there around 10.30am. The crowd behind us tried to enter forcibly through the gate meant for the VIPs. The stampede-like situation left my daughter injured," said Gopal Bhagat, 35, a businessman from Cuttack.
