''I am not making only a formal statement but my exhortation proceeds from the innermost corner of my heart. May this Colour be never unfurled except in the cause of righteousness." These were the words of late Dr Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India whilst addressing the Air Force personnel after presenting the President’s Colour at a ceremonial parade at Air Force Station, Palam, New Delhi on April 1, 1954. This was a momentous occasion for the Indian Air Force making a new beginning in its history. Having completed 21 years and being the youngest of the three arms, the Indian Air Force was ‘coming of age’ while rendering valuable help to the people in distress due to flood, famine, cyclone or any other natural calamity. For the Indian Air Force, the occasion was one of recognition of its services rendered to the nation in times of war and peace. It was a doubly proud moment for on that day, the first Indian Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee also took over as the Chief of Air Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the IAF.

The President’s Colour is made of the finest indigenous silk spun by Indian craftsmen. Three feet nine inch long and three feet-wide, with golden fringes, the Colour is carried on a seven-foot staff of oak wood. A seven-inch gold plated metal crest comprising four Ashoka lions above two Himalayan eagles form the head of the staff. The field of the Colour is ‘Air Force’ blue containing the national flag in its first upper quarter and the elephant embroidered in gold in the second upper quarter. The elephant is one of the four symbols taken from the President’s flag to represent "patience and strength". Below the elephant is the IAF roundel in saffron, white and green. The cord of the staff is of light and deep blue silk interwoven with golden thread. The colour symbolises all the features-discipline, loyalty, sacrifice, unity and bravery-associated with the Armed Forces of the country. The President’s Colour is kept in the office of the Chief of Air Staff at Air Headquarters and is paraded on important ceremonial occasions.

The review by the President as the supreme Commander of the Armed Forces is an opportunity for the nation to witness the dynamic growth of the Indian Air Force acknowledged the world over as one of the finest air forces. The fleet review by the President owes its origin to the pattern of reviews of the Royal Air Force by the British monarch. The supreme Commander reviews each of the three Services once in his tenure as the President. In its 69-year history, the President of India has reviewed the IAF on three occasions on April 1, 1954 at Palam, April 1, 1972 at Palam and January 19, 1976 at Chandigarh. Each of the reviews over a period of time, has recorded the growth of the Indian Air Force from a tactical air force in the 60s to a strategic air force in the 80s to its present status as an aerospace force.

The second President’s review of the Indian Air Force, after a gap of 18 years, was held on April 1, 1972 by the then President, Mr VV Giri months after the 1971 war wherein the singular contribution by the Indian Air Force that led to the liberation of Bangladesh was recognised. Addressing the sentinels of the Indian skies, President Mr VV Giri said– "The speed and precision with which the Air Force struck out the enemy during the conflict in December last year, speaks not only of the skill and efficiency of the aircrew, but also of the dedication and proficiency of those on the ground whose task was to keep the aircraft flying along with the zeal and leadership of those in command." The line-up of aircraft reviewed by the President, apart from over 500 officers and airmen on parade, included Gnats, MiG-21, Maruts, Avros and AN-12 while 16 MiG-21s and 16 Su-7 fighter-bombers made a fly-past.

The third President’s review of the Indian Air Force was held on January 19, 1976 at Chandigarh, with the then President, Mr Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed taking the salute and reviewing the fleet. Reaffirming his faith in the professionalism of the Indian Air Force, he said : "You are the protectors of our skies and at the same time you have rendered active assistance to the Army and the Navy in operations against the enemy. We are proud of you and are sure you will keep your reputation as high as ever." A total of 43 fighter aircraft participated in an impressive fly-past comprising 23 MiG-21 and 20 Su-7 aircraft. The line-up of aircraft, apart from the 823 officers and airmen on parade, included Mi-8, Aloutte and Cheetah helicopters along with the AN-12, Gnat, Fair Child, Packet, Canberra, Hunter, Su-7 and the MiG-21.

For the fourth time in the history of and for the first time in the new millennium, President, Mr KR Narayanan will review the Indian Air Force at Chandigarh on October 17, this year. The President will review the biggest and probably the most spectacular parade and fly-past by the IAF in recent times. Air Force Station, Chandigarh came into special significance during the anxious months of October-November, 1962 when thinly-spread Indian troops battled Chinese invaders along the Himalayas from Ladakh to NEFA. Transport squadrons operating from Chandigarh provided logistic support to the Indian Army in Ladakh working under adverse conditions and operating in one of the most difficult terrains in the world.

President, Mr KR Narayanan, as part of the ceremony, will review a display of 88 aircraft comprising all types of flying machines presently in use with the IAF, as also combat vehicles of SAGW units along with radars. More than 1,000 officers and airmen will form part of the ceremonial parade. The fly-past will include about 100 aircraft of different types including the Su-30, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, other MiG variants, IL-76, AN-32, Dornier, HPT-32 and Microlite aircraft, apart from helicopters including the Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-25, Mi-35, Chetak and Cheetah. In addition, there will be an aerobatic display by the Surya Kirans and skydiving by the Akash Ganga team.

The President’s Review at Chandigarh will also witness the largest gathering of dignitaries. These will include Chiefs of Air Staff from 18 countries, in addition to the Indian Vice-President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Cabinet Secretary, Defence Secretary, Governors and Chief Ministers of Punjab and Harayana and their cabinet colleagues, foreign dignitaries including ambassadors and military attaches and former Chiefs of Air Staff. Approximately 20,000 spectators from the Defence as well as civilians including school-children and people from all strata of the society are expected to witness the function.

With the fourth President’s review of the Indian Air Force, another glorious chapter will be added to the annals of Indian Air Force. The show by the youngest arm of the three services will be followed by the capability demonstration during the Millennium Vayu Shakti (fire power demonstration) at Pokhran on October 20, this year. Due to present global scenario the fourth President's review of IAF has been postponed.