Why Are Five MiG-21 Jets Being Placed in Punjab Schools? Lessons for Patriotic Education and Symbolism

Imagine walking into school and seeing a real fighter jet right there on the grounds. Not a plastic model, not a picture in a textbook; an actual MiG‑21 aircraft that once defended India’s skies.

This could soon become reality for students in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Nangal, and Kharar. The Punjab government has proposed an inspiring initiative: placing five retired MiG‑21 jets at Schools of Eminence to blend education with patriotism and technology. While the plan is not yet finalized, it has already sparked curiosity and discussion about what it could mean for students and teachers alike.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains recently wrote to the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, asking for these jets to be stationed at select schools. The MiG‑21 has a legendary history; India’s first supersonic fighter, in service for over six decades, and a key player in the Indo‑Pak War (1965), the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971), and the Kargil conflict (1999).

After the IAF formally retired the MiG‑21 fleet in September 2025 at a ceremony in Chandigarh, Punjab saw an opportunity to keep its story alive—not just in museums, but right on school campuses where the next generation can see it up close.

If approved, the initiative could turn every jet display into a learning hub. Here’s how the presence of such an aircraft could make a difference:

Education often struggles to bridge the gap between textbook learning and real-world application. This proposal attempts to fill that gap by giving students a physical, daily reminder of ambition, innovation, and service.

For a child who might not have access to military museums or science expos, a MiG‑21 in their schoolyard could be enough to spark lifelong curiosity. It’s a way to make patriotic education tangible, something you can touch, see, and imagine yourself being part of.

If and when the jets are installed, teachers could plan activities around them:

This fighter jet is not just a retired aircraft; it represents decades of courage, quick decision-making, and relentless training. By considering its placement in schools, Punjab is exploring how symbols can shape young minds.

Even if a student never joins the armed forces, being surrounded by such reminders can help build qualities like determination, discipline, and respect for national service.

While inspiring, it’s important to note that the plan is still in discussion stages. The Indian Air Force would need to agree, locations would need to be prepared, and protocols would have to be followed. If it moves forward, it will likely involve ceremonial events that highlight the importance of the MiG‑21 in India’s defense history.

For now, the idea has planted a seed of possibility: making education more engaging by linking it to real symbols of courage and technological achievement.

If approved, the sight of a MiG‑21 in a school courtyard could send a powerful message to thousands of students to dream big, learn deeply, and never forget the value of service to the nation.