Archive · 8 Oct 2026
How the Indian Air Force Song Was Written and Adopted
The Indian Air Force did not have its own song after India became independent.
A song was created for the force’s 60th anniversary in 1992.
Zora Shaw first wrote the words in English.
The Hindi cell of the Directorate of Education translated them into Hindi.
Students from Bal Bharati School sang it at the Air Force Day Parade that year.
Lata Mangeshkar also sang an earlier, longer version without charge.
The song was later shortened and now lasts 1 minute and 45 seconds.
It is meant to help Air Force members feel united and proud.
The Indian Air Force adopted its own song in 1992 for its diamond jubilee, marking 60 years of the force.
Zora Shaw, wife of then Group Captain G J Shaw, originally wrote the lyrics in English.
The Hindi cell of the Directorate of Education later translated the song into Hindi.
The song was presented at the Air Force Day Parade on October 8, 1992, and sung by Bal Bharati School students.
Lata Mangeshkar recorded an earlier five-minute version pro bono; the song has since been shortened to 1 minute and 45 seconds.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force; the original English lyrics were written by Zora Shaw.
- What
- The Indian Air Force adopted a dedicated song, first written in English and later translated into Hindi.
- When
- The song was presented on October 8, 1992.
- Where
- At the Air Force Day Parade; the article does not specify the parade's location.
- Why
- It was created for the Air Force's diamond jubilee and to foster identity, unity, pride and camaraderie.
- Adopted
- 1992, for the Indian Air Force's diamond jubilee
- Original lyricist
- Zora Shaw, wife of then Group Captain G J Shaw
- Original language
- English
- Hindi translation
- By the Hindi cell of the Directorate of Education
- First presentation
- Air Force Day Parade, October 8, 1992
- Earlier recording
- Lata Mangeshkar sang a five-minute version pro bono
- Current duration
- 1 minute and 45 seconds