A recruitment rally under the aegis of Indian Air Force was held at Agartala, the capital of Tripura. Lt Gen KM Seth, Governor of Tripura inaugurated the splendid air show held as part of the rally at the Dasaratha Dev Sports Complex. Mr Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Tripura was the chief guest and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy was the guest of honour. Other state dignitaries who were present on the occasion were Mr Jitendra Choudhury, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Tripura and Mr V Thulasidas, Chief Secretary.

Over 15,000 people including a number of school-children thronged the stadium to witness the grand opening ceremony. The microlight flying, para-jumping by the daredevils and a band display enthralled the crowd. Addressing the public on the occasion, Chief of Air Staff said that the Indian Air Force has been looking for volunteers from all corners of the country to touch the sky with glory.

Speaking to the mediapersons on the occasion, the Air Chief said that he wished more aspirants from the North-East states come forward and join the IAF. He informed that the IAF would soon launch a campaign in schools, colleges and universities to generate awareness on the career opportunities available in the IAF. He also spoke about the ongoing programme of modernisation of aircraft and other systems in the IAF.

More than one thousand candidates took part in the rally seeking induction into the technical and non-technical branches of the IAF.