Bureau
Chandigarh: Sh. Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, inaugurated the Indian Air Force Heritage Centre and other development projects in the presence of Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, Governor Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Smt. Kirron Kher, Member of Parliament, Chandigarh, Sh. Anup Gupta, Mayor Chandigarh, Dr. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator , and other senior officials of Air Force and Chandigarh Administration.
India's first Indian Airforce Heritage Centre at Chandigarh is an example of a successful liaison between the civil administration and the defence that showcases the glorious history and the modern marvels of the Indian Air Force. Spread over an area of 15,600 sq. ft., this Heritage Centre showcases informative exhibits like augmented reality, virtual reality, hologram, flying simulators, aero engines, electro mechanical enclosures, multimedia, interactive kiosks and memorabilia throwing light on various aspects of the Indian Air Force. The formal handing over and taking over of the Airforce Centre from Chandigarh Administration to Indian Airforce was done by
Sh. Vinod P Kavle, Secretary Cultural Affairs, Sh. Sorabh Arora, Director Cultural Affairs and Air Marshal K Anantharaman, Air Officer incharge Administration, Group Captain, PS Lamba of , Indian Airforce.
A MoU was executed in the month of June 2022 between the Chandigarh Administration through Secretary Cultural Affairs and Indian Air Force for setting up and operation of Air Force Heritage Centre. The team of Air Force officials and Chandigarh Administration officials have been able to set up this centre with their hard work and commitment in brief period.
In his address, the Defence Minister termed the Heritage Centre as a testament to the courage and dedication of all those who have served in the IAF; a tribute to their sacrifice and a reminder of their invaluable contribution in protecting the nation. He recalled the contribution of the IAF in the 1948 war, Goa Liberation War of 1961, 1962, 1965 & 1971 wars, which showcased the force’s strength, commitment and professionalism. The Centre will be a symbol of this valour and commitment of the IAF, he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh added that the Centre will serve as a source of inspiration for the future generations. “The IAF has a rich heritage and it is our responsibility to preserve and showcase it. This centre will become an important means of preserving the history of the IAF and motivating the youth to imbibe the values of the Armed Forces,” he said
The Defence Minister also inaugurated the state-of-art project, ‘Centre for Cyber Operation and Security (CenCOPs)’ which uses modern IT tools and technology to fight against cybercrime. The projects consists of four fundamental pillars i.e, Data Analytics and Predictive Policing, Evidence Collection and Advanced Forensics, Cyber Security and cyber crime investigation, social media analytics and citizen outreach. The centre will serve as a major deterrent to criminals by assisting the police force in tracking them, solving crimes quickly and more efficiently.
The foundation stone was also laid for the Extension of Kurukshetra Boys Hostel at Punjab Engineering College (PEC). This block will increase the existing available hostel facilities from 250 rooms to 622 rooms to meet the requirements of residential students at PEC. Similarly, the foundation stone was also laid for the Hostel Block in the Government College, Sector-46, that will accommodate 138 Boys and 138 Girls after its completion.
Sh. Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the first phase of the Gaushala will provide shelter to stray animals and give them proper medical facilities. The construction of the Gaushala in three phases. The work of the first phase will provide three shelters to accommodate about 1000 cattle, including a shed for pregnant cows and calves, a separate shed for green and dry fodder, an exercising court for animals, and a resting place for caretakers.
The Defence Minister lauded Chandigarh Administration for its outstanding achievements in different sectors by saying,
“Chandigarh is taking steps to preserve the legacy of the past, it is also keeping an equal eye on the goals of the future.
I am happy to know that Chandigarh is one of the top cities of the country, which is making strong strides in areas like Education, Health and skilling human resource. This city is moving forward step by step with the Government of India in the direction of preparing healthy, educated and skilled human resource.”