A training room at the site office of Noida International Airport, located near Delhi, will be named after India’s first female fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi. The proposal for this was sent to the Air Force, and they have approved it.
Another room will be named after Neerja Bhanot, in honor of her bravery. Neerja Bhanot was a flight attendant with Pan Am Airlines. On September 5, 1986, she was on Flight 73, flying from Mumbai to New York, when the plane was hijacked by terrorists. Neerja helped the passengers and ensured their safety. She was shot by the terrorists while carrying out her duties. Neerja sacrificed her life while protecting others.
According to the sources, the proposal to name the training room after the first female fighter pilot says it will inspire people. In June 2016, for the first time, three women joined the Indian Air Force as fighter pilots. These women were Avani Chaturvedi, Bhavana Kanth, and Mohana Singh. Women had been pilots in helicopters and transport aircraft in the Air Force since 1991, but in 2016, women were allowed to become fighter pilots when the government decided to open entry for them. Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi flies the Sukhoi-30 fighter jet.
This move highlights the growing recognition of women in fields traditionally dominated by men. In 2016, when the Indian Air Force opened up fighter pilot roles to women, Avani Chaturvedi, along with Bhavana Kanth and Mohana Singh, made history. Their courage and dedication continue to inspire countless women to break barriers and pursue their dreams. As we celebrate Women’s Day in March, this gesture not only honours these powerful women but also encourages future generations of women to aim high and soar to new heights.
