Inspired by the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, multi-talented Roshni Iyer, from Thane, will now defend India from the skies
It was in 2015 that Indian women were finally allowed to fly combat roles in fighter aircraft with the Indian Air Force. Continuing with its recruitment of women, the IAF has now commissioned 23-year-old Thane resident, Roshni Iyer as a fighter pilot. It is said that there are already 15 lady fighter pilots within the force.
Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi, Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kant and Flight Lieutenant Mohana Singh, in 2016 are the first three ladies to be commissioned as fighter pilots with the Indian Air Force. Flight lieutenant Bhawana Kanth then became the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) tableau at the Republic Day parade.
From a very young age, Iyer had dreamt of serving the nation. She aspired to be a fighter pilot and stayed focused on her studies to achieve her aim with a solid academic record. Iyer stated, “Being part of the Indian Air Force is a lifestyle. It’s not nearly being a pilot however the better motto is to live for and serve the nation.”
Her proud father, Ravi Iyer said, “We have supported her all through and wish to see her serving the nation.”
She was inspired by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, an aerospace scientist. Following her commencement in aerospace engineering, she was admitted to the Air Force Academy in Dundigal where she trained for over a year.
Iyer did her education from Lok Puram Public Faculty, Thane, and was a nationwide degree athlete, having represented Maharashtra in 400-metre hurdles, and has additionally received various gold medals. Not simply athletics, Iyer has pursued different numerous hobbies like studying, trekking and painting.
Roshni Iyer will now patrol India’s skies continuing a millenia-old Indian tradition of female warriors like Rani Durgavati, Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Naiki Devi, Rani Abbaka Chowta and so many others.
Interestingly, it has been hardly publicised that the United Nations’ first all-female peacekeeping force was made up entirely of Indian female security personnel.
