A legendary piece of Indian military aviation history has found a permanent public home in Udupi, Karnataka. The iconic MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which played a decisive role in India's victory during the 1999 Kargil War, has been installed at the Kota Karanth Theme Park in Kotatattu gram panchayat.
From War Hero to Public Inspiration
This significant move aims to allow students and the general public to view the formidable aircraft up close, fostering interest and respect for the Indian Armed Forces. The journey of this specific MiG-21 to Udupi is a story of dedicated effort and recognition of its historic value.
Udupi - Chikkamagalur Member of Parliament, Kota Shrinivas Poojary, was instrumental in bringing the aircraft to the district. He revealed that after being elected as an MP, he met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and formally requested a decommissioned warplane for display at the theme park, which is dedicated to the memory of the celebrated writer Kota Shivaram Karanth.
"Honouring my request, the minister sent the world-famous MiG-21 warplane," Poojary stated, highlighting the government's support for the project.
A Symbol of Valour and Triumph
The MP also connected the aircraft to another moment of national pride, recalling the 2019 dogfight where Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman famously engaged a much more advanced Pakistani F-16 jet using a MiG-21 Bison. "India's wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down Pakistan's advanced F-16 fighter jet with our old MiG-21 aircraft, a historic moment we will always remember," Poojary remarked.
The logistical feat of transporting and assembling the fighter was undertaken by a skilled team of Indian Air Force personnel, who successfully reconstructed the aircraft at its new location in Udupi.
A Decade-Long Dream Realized
The establishment of such a display in Kota village was not an overnight achievement. Local efforts to acquire a military aircraft for public exhibition had been ongoing for more than a decade. The primary hurdle was obtaining the necessary clearance from the Ministry of Defence, a process that required considerable time and high-level intervention.
The breakthrough came only after MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary's direct discussions with the Defence Minister secured the crucial approval. Moving forward, the maintenance and management of the fighter aircraft display site will be a joint responsibility of the Kotatattu gram panchayat and the Karanth trust.
Enriching a Cultural Hub
The addition of the MiG-21 fighter jet significantly enhances the offerings of the Kota Karanth Theme Park. The park already hosts numerous installations related to the literary giant's works, including depictions from 'Mookajjiya Kanasugalu', sculptures of Yakshagana costumes representing both Tenku Thittu and Badagu Thittu styles, various other sculptures, a musical fountain, and a well-stocked library containing Karanth's novels and works of other renowned Kannada poets and writers.
For the past ten years, the park has served as a vibrant venue for cultural and literary events. The installation of the historic MiG-21 now adds a powerful dimension of national defence and technological heritage to this cultural space, creating a unique destination that blends art, literature, and military history.
