Chandigarh, Oct 4: Punjab government schools are set to become hubs of inspiration and innovation, with students soon getting a close-up look at India’s defense and aerospace achievements. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has written to the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, proposing that retired MiG-21 fighter jets be displayed in state-run schools across the state.
The proposal requests five MiG-21 jets to be installed at government schools in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Nangal, and Kharar. “Together, we can pay a tribute to the MiG-21 that will live on forever and instill a sense of patriotism and dedication in our future generations,” Bains said, highlighting the symbolic value of the aircraft.
According to the minister, the initiative aims to inspire thousands of students to pursue careers in defense, engineering, aerospace technology, and related fields. He added that the Punjab government plans to collaborate with the IAF to organize programs formally inducting these jets into the schools, fostering a spirit of excellence and commitment among students.
Bains also paid homage to the MiG-21s for their distinguished service in India’s defense history. “These aircraft, which played key roles in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and the 1999 Kargil War, are a symbol of courage, discipline, and dedication,” he noted. He expressed confidence that the jets’ presence in schools would encourage students to demonstrate bravery, determination, and perseverance in their daily lives.
The initiative forms part of the Punjab government’s broader efforts, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to transform education through innovative programs. Minister Bains emphasized that retired MiG-21 jets in the state’s “Schools of Eminence” would serve as a tangible inspiration for students aspiring to join the armed forces and contribute to national service.
He further pointed out that several progressive measures, including international training programs for teachers, are being implemented to enhance educational quality. “This is more than a display of aircraft; it is a means to connect our students with history, technology, and a spirit of service,” Bains said, underlining the transformative potential of the initiative.
If approved, the program will allow students to engage with aviation history and defense technology daily, blending learning with patriotic inspiration and career-oriented motivation.
