The Indian Air Force has launched a 32-page comic book titled “Heroes of the Indian Air Force-Vol. I”. This comic book tells the inspiring story of the legendary IAF Marshal Arjan Singh and the epic Battle of Boyra, fought during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The initiative aims to inspire and encourage young people by showcasing the glorious history of the force and motivating them to consider a career in the Indian Air Force. The book was released by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Wednesday.
The project, conceived last year, was not just a collective effort but a vision brought to life by Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari.
“It was the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff that heroic narratives of the Air Force’s role in war and the annals of national history be depicted through the medium of comic books. This may foster a sense of duty and aspiration. Driven by the values and stories narrated, young readers may envision themselves as future Air Force officers,” the IAF said.
The medium of comic books was chosen to reach young minds, especially those in schools, and motivate them to pursue a career in the Indian Air Force.
The first volume features two stories — ‘Find Your Calling’, which tells the inspiring tale of Arjan Singh, who became the first Marshal of the Indian Air Force; and ‘Battle of Boyra’, a gripping narrative of a significant battle in the IAF’s war history fought during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, showcasing the valour and patriotism of our forces.
The compelling visual stories aim to foster a better appreciation among the children for the values of courage, motivation, and perseverance and to help them learn to follow in his footsteps.
“Most importantly, comics spark an emotional connection with the content. By presenting historical figures and events through relatable characters and thrilling stories, children are more likely to feel inspired and motivated. The depiction of real-life heroes and significant events in an entertaining format helps children see the human side of history and understand its relevance,” the statement said.
The second story is titled “The Boyra Boys”. It narrates an epic air battle in Indian Air Force war history – the Battle of Boyra, which took place during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. This air combat engagement showcased the fighting prowess and courage of the young pilots of the No. 22 Squadron ‘Swifts’, earning the squadron the moniker ‘Sabre Slayers’.
“The story contains adrenaline-pumping action sequences, as seen through the pilots’ eyes, allowing the readers to experience the events firsthand. This educates young readers about a critical historical event and emphasizes the heroism associated with air combat. It depicts all that is patriotic, brave, professional, and what embodies the spirit of ‘youth’. It is a direct call to action for the youngsters,” the IAF said.
The Air Force History Cell and the Air Force Museum played key roles in providing and vetting historical facts, while the IAF’s Directorate of Ceremonials ensured the uniform was correctly depicted as per the period described in the stories.
The book also gives out information about career choices in the Indian Air Force and the associated eligibility criteria.
The comic book, a free resource, is for circulation to the target audience of young children. Distribution will be achieved through Command HQs and AF stations, as part of publicity interactions, and through the IPEV drives. A PDF version of the comic book will also be available for free sharing on Digital Media.
Team BharatShakti
