MiG-21 Jet to Inspire Patriotism in Punjab’s Schools of Eminence

Punjab’s government schools are set to take flight on the wings of history, where education will blend with patriotism and technology. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state’s education sector is witnessing a quiet revolution. Now, a historic initiative aims to connect students directly with India’s defence legacy and technological prowess.

Education Minister Sardar Harjot Singh Bains has written to the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, proposing the display of retired MiG-21 fighter jets—symbols of national pride and valour—across select government schools in the state. The idea: to let students dream big, with their aspirations taking flight like a missile.

Bains has requested that five MiG-21 aircraft be placed at Schools of Eminence in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Nangal, and Kharar. “Together, we can pay a tribute to the MiG-21 that will live on forever and instil in our future generations a sense of patriotism and dedication,” Bains said.

The initiative seeks to ignite interest among thousands of government school students in defence services, aerospace, engineering, and related disciplines. The Punjab government also plans to partner with the IAF to hold formal induction programmes for the aircraft—transforming each installation into a celebration of courage and innovation.

Paying homage to the IAF’s exemplary service to the nation, Minister Bains congratulated the MiG-21 fleet on its recent retirement, describing the aircraft as “a symbol of courage, discipline, and dedication in India’s defence history.” He recalled the jet’s storied role in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and the 1999 Kargil conflict, saying its presence in schools would continue to remind students of India’s proud military heritage.

“The presence of these fighter aircraft in our schools will inspire students to embrace courage, determination, and service in their everyday lives,” Bains said.

This initiative, he added, aligns with the Punjab government’s broader vision to make education innovative, practical, and transformative under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The proposal seeks to position retired MiG-21 jets in Punjab’s Schools of Eminence—not just as relics of aviation history, but as symbols to motivate students to become officers and defenders of the nation.

The government has already taken several forward-looking steps in this direction, including international training programmes for teachers, to raise the standards of education in the state.