My visit to the Air Force Heritage Museum I Blog By Saiaansh, 10, Chandigarh
Saiaansh Dey writes about his visit to the The Air Force Heritage Museum : a graceful representation of the heritage of the Indian Air Force in Chandigarh, India in a blog.
My visit to the Indian Air Force Heritage Museum in Chandigarh
Where is Air Force Heritage Museum Located ?
Chandigarh, a city in northern India, Punjab. In the city, there are many attractions like Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Shukhna Lake and Sector 17, but recently a new attraction has been opened nearby Rose Garden, on the edge of Sector 18, The Air Force Heritage Museum. It was recently inaugurated by our defence minister, Shri. Rajnath Singh in 2023.
Rose Garden, Chandigarh
Some days earlier, my little cousin came to visit us from Shimla. The next early morning, we went for a walk in the Rose Garden. During the month of April, which is in the spring season, the Rose Garden is full of a variety of blooming flowers on trees and bushes. The different colours of roses are delightful to the eyes, and in the early morning hours, it is like a wonderland covered with flowers all over with ear-soothing voices of birds chirping around.
After completing three rounds around the Rose Garden, we were trying to decide whether to go home or go to the Air Force Heritage Museum. Finally, it was decided to venture into the latter one. We had our breakfast at Gopal Sweets, Sector 8, the famous cholle puri.
Air Force Heritage Museum
Fighter Jets – Rafale, Tejas LMC and Sukhoi -30
When we reached the museum at 10:30 am, As we entered the gate, we were greeted by models of 3 fighter jets, Rafale, Tejas LMC and Sukhoi Su-30. Besides them, there were many other things like models of real fighter jets and some engine remains of real fighter jets used once in some of the combats. Exploring deeper there were models of missiles and guns too. The walls of the rooms were decorated with the live model’s representation for participation in the Air Forces during wars in the past, such as in the 1971 Pakistan war.
One wall was decorated with the names of Air Force personnel, along with their ranks, categorized under various honors such as the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and others for their bravery and valour.
There were clothes and belongings of brave fighter pilots, also an entire glass section was dedicated to Shri. Rakesh Sharma, the first astronaut from India to travel into space. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, AC, is an Indian cosmonaut and a former Indian Air Force officer. He flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme and became the first Indian to travel in Space.
Sam Manekshaw
The other walls were dedicated to representing all the Air Chief Marshals from the first to the present. We also saw some photographs of our first Chief of Army Staff, Mr. Sam Manekshaw, in action on the field. Some photographs of the Indian Air Force during wars.
Models of Indian Missiles of IAF and Fighter Planes of India
A guide took us to a mini theatre showing a video regarding the Indian Air Force. Next, we went into a room where a video was showing us about the fighter jets of India. After that amazing experience, we went into a room where we wore a VR (Virtual Reality) Headset. When I wore it, I felt that I was sitting in an actual fighter jet. Next, there was a Stimulator room where we had to control in-game fighter jets and get some real-life-like experience. It was so fun that I asked my mother for another turn, and she gave me her ticket, and I enjoyed it again for the second time. It was truly amazing.
When we came out, there were models of Indian missiles like Brahmos, gliding missiles and mini guns. Besides that, there was a military plane which India used in the early days. When we were about to leave the museum, I quickly noticed models of biplanes, planes and jet planes which India had, and beside it was a model of Rafale and Tejas.
Facts about the Indian Air Force
- The Indian Air Force was founded on 8 October 1932.
- Its first AC flight came into being on 1 April 1933 with six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys.
- Indian Air Force is the 4 strongest Air Force in the world with fighter jets like Rafale, Tejas LMC and Sukhoi Su-30.
All of this information was exhibited in the Museum. This was an amazing experience. I am proud of my country’s Air Force.
Jai Hind ki Sena!
Jai Hind!
Blog By Saiaansh Dey
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8 Responses
Excellently described
Excellent Observation, Research and Description. Very well done.
Your description of the Rose Garden in spring was so vivid, I could almost hear the birds and see the flowers! I liked how you balanced that peaceful moment with a visit to the Air Force Museum—it must have been a memorable day.
This museum brilliantly captures the IAF’s evolution—the Gnat display (‘Sabre Slayer’ of ’71) gave me chills! A suggestion: Interactive exhibits on radar tech (like how Mig-21s intercepted PAF F-104s) would thrill budding engineers. The vintage cockpit photo-ops are gold—my nephew hasn’t stopped grinning since pretending to ‘dogfight’ there last monsoon!
Fascinating read! The India Air Force Heritage Museum sounds like a captivating journey through aviation history. A must-visit for enthusiasts and families alike!
Fascinating read! The India Air Force Heritage Museum sounds like an inspiring journey through aviation history. A perfect visit for families and history buffs alike!
Excellent post! Thanks for the insights.
Excellent post! Thanks for the insights.