The ceremony
began with the awardees paying homage to the fallen heroes of the country by
laying a wreath at the Amar Chakra of the NWM.
This solemn ceremony was followed by
the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, conferring
Presidential awards to 51 air warriors.
The
recipients included three Yudh Seva Medal, seven Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry),
13 Vayu Sena Medal and 28 Vishisht Seva Medal awardees. The CAS complimented
each of the awardees for their gallant actions and distinguished service in the
truest traditions of the Indian Air Force.
This is the first time that any
service conducted its Investiture Ceremony in the NWM complex. Along with personal guests of the
awardees and senior air warriors of the Indian Air Force, the event was also
witnessed by tourists and onlookers, making it truly a peoples' event.