Incredible India

I had been to this year’s “Aero India 2009”, visited the various stalls and also witnessed the spectacular display by the pilots of warplanes and helicopters. This year the event was better organized and there was not much hassle in terms of traffic flow till the venue and parking facilities as well. The security check was a bit more stringent maybe after the Mumbai incident the organizers had to tighten security, In fact I am visiting the air show for the fourth time and every time the acrobatic skills of the air force personnel with their machines leave me enthralled. Our own Sarang team came out with thrilling acrobatics with a team of four helicopters and there were F-16s and Migs adding to the thrill. The crowd not minding the hot blazing sun stood rooted to the spot through out the spectacular show. This year I had a special moment to cherish. I had an opportunity to witness a simple sales ceremony organized by a major PSU. My spouse being part of the team, I could understand the overall feeling of pride that prevailed amongst the employees, as this was their first overseas sales call in that segment. What impressed me about the whole occasion was the simplicity with which the whole function was conducted. Above all the presence of our national flag beside the table where the dignitaries sat gave a sense of inclusiveness to all those who were present there. It may be a protocol for the PSUs to have the national flag there but it had so much significance to every one of us and each one felt proud at that moment to be Indian. At that moment it struck me that companies in private sector in our country should also follow this protocol to instill respect and love for our country. The respective national anthem and the flag are the uniting medium for any countrymen. Acknowledging our achievements in the name of the country whether in private or public sector will unite all the citizens of the country and this feat can be easily achieved by the solemn presence of our our national flag.

T With regards to the whole show there were food court and star hotels catering to the visitors but much was left desired in terms of handling the trash. Loads and loads of plastic trash must have been generated during the whole show. If the caterers had planned ahead they could have served food in biodegradable material rather than using plastic. On the lighter side, a jeep carrying a team of commandoes with Ak-47 et al was parked near the air display area and they became an instant hit with the crowd. I suppose people were reminded of the recent terror attack in one of our major city and having had an overdose of the visuals of the commandoes in action in television media they started crowding around the jeep curiously quizzing the commandoes, but then the commandoes kept advising them to maintain a safe distance. There were small children who were not content with just witnessing the display demanded a ride in the fighter aircrafts. Parents had to console them by just taking pictures of them standing beside the parked airplanes and choppers.