Kumbhirgram, Silchar: The skies above the Kumbhirgram Air Force Station erupted in a breathtaking spectacle on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) delivered a powerhouse display, leaving thousands, including a significant and enthusiastic contingent from Assam University (AU), completely spellbound. The star attraction was the world-renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team, famous for being the only military helicopter display team of its kind globally.
First-of-its-Kind Airshow Ignites South Assam
This event marked the first full-scale aerobatic display in the Silchar and South Assam region in over three decades, underscoring its historical significance. The Sarang team’s performance featured five indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), meticulously carving intricate formations across the blue canvas. The highly skilled IAF pilots executed breathtaking manoeuvres, providing a vivid demonstration of the formidable prowess of the Indian Air Force and the spirit of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).
“The kind of response we got from all the students, NCC cadets and even from people who have come all the way from Silchar and various other places was our pleasure,” said Flight Lieutenant Pallavi Sangwan of the Indian Air Force, the lead pilot for the flying formations on display.
Flight Lieutenant Sangwan proudly highlighted that all five helicopters were HAL-made indigenous aircraft, a strong testament to India’s growing domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.
Assam University Contingent Meets Role Models
A strong contingent of over 100 students from Assam University, comprising cadets from the NCC unit and students from various departments, attended the show. The group was led by Dr. Deepjyoti Choudhury (Associate Professor, Business Administration) and Dr. Sangharsh Mishra (Assistant Professor, Law), and assisted by Dr. Joyashri Dey (Assistant Professor, Social Work). Shri Arijit Goswami, Convenor of the Assam University Armed Forces Museum, was instrumental in coordinating the liaison with the Air Force Station.
The day’s experience went far beyond the aerial performance. Students engaged with fascinating ground exhibitions featuring sophisticated radar systems, technical equipment, and essential aircraft safety gear. Exhibits showcasing guns and flight-safety machinery particularly captured the young minds’ curiosity.
Female Officers Inspire a Generation
The most transformative moments for the students came from direct interactions with the IAF personnel. In highly emotional and inspiring scenes, female officers, in particular, became instant role models. They warmly engaged with the students and cadets, signing notebooks and sharing powerful words of encouragement.
For many NCC cadets and university students, these interactions immediately fostered career dreams and a newfound desire to pursue a future in the armed forces. The exposure to the precision, dedication, and professionalism of the IAF has undoubtedly planted seeds of ambition.
The students and their faculty left the Kumbhirgram Air Force Station with not only memories for a lifetime but also with a tangible inspiration to dream big and aim for the skies.
