March 28, 2024
MiG-23BN [SM268] made the journey from Halwara Air Force Station to the Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar in 2007 for permanent display in the campus. The aircraft is a veteran of the Kargil Operations. 

Guru Nanak Dev University was established at Amritsar, India on November 24, 1969 to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev's birth quincentenary celebrations. Guru Nanak Dev University campus is spread over 500 acres (2 km²) near village of Kot Khalsa, nearly 8 km west of the Amritsar City on Amritsar – Lahore highway, next to Khalsa College, Amritsar.

In 2007, the Indian Air Force has donated a Mig-23 aircraft to Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) for display and general awareness about the aircraft. The aircraft was installed in front of the University library by a team of 15 engineers/ground staff of Air Force Station, Halwara led by Sqn Leader Harjinder Singh Marwaha. The aircraft was said to have participated in the Kargil war.

MiG-23BN SM268 on display at the GNDU. Amritsar. Photo Courtesy: Black Eyed Lion / Panoramio

Vice-Chancellor Dr Jai Rup Singh thanked the Ministry of Defence, especially the Marshal of Indian Air Force, Arjan Singh who was instrumental for gifting this aircraft to the University. At the installation site, the Vice-Chancellor also appreciated the services of the Air Force engineers. The Vice-Chancellor expressed the hope that the aircraft would encourage the students of the University, its affiliated colleges and also the youth of the state to join the defence services. It would also be helpful to inculcate a sense of patriotism among the youth, he added. 

SM268 seen in 2011 . Photo Courtesy : Raman Singh/Panoramio . Also see Golden Temple Photos
Marshal Arjan Singh seen with the aircraft during the formal dedication of the display in 2007. Photo Courtesy: Tribune India.

The aircraft dedication ceremony was led by none other than the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh on March 28, 2007.

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