In a ground-breaking development, two young women from farming backgrounds in Punjab have broken stereotypes and ascended to the ranks of flying officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). As reported by various media outlets, their remarkable accomplishment is causing waves of admiration and inspiration.
Ivraj Kaur and Prabhsimran Kaur, distinguished alumni of the illustrious Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for girls located in Mohali, have achieved the extraordinary feat of becoming commissioned flying officers. Their commissioning ceremony, which took place at the esteemed Air Force Academy in Dundigal and Hyderabad, stands as a testament to their dedication and resilience.
Flying Officer Ivraj, daughter of Jaspreet Singh, a farmer from the revered Rupnagar district, will soon embark on her career as a helicopter pilot within the esteemed Flying Branch. On the other hand, Flying Officer Prabhsimran, daughter of Paramjit Singh, a respected farmer from the Gurdaspur district, will contribute her expertise to the esteemed Education Branch of the IAF.
In light of their exceptional accomplishment, Punjab's Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Minister Aman Arora extended heartfelt congratulations to these exemplary young women. Minister Arora expressed immense pride in the fact that the fathers of these newly commissioned flying officers are esteemed farmers, highlighting the significance of their rural roots. He further emphasized that the triumph of these young women will serve as a catalyst for children residing in Punjab's small towns and villages, encouraging them to explore the vast opportunities available to serve the nation as commissioned officers within the defense services.
Regarding the Mai Bhago AFPI, which operates under the purview of the Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training department, Minister Arora shed light on its exceptional qualities. The institute boasts a fully residential campus with state-of-the-art infrastructure, making it a pioneering institution in the country. This outstanding facility has played a pivotal role in nurturing and empowering talented individuals.
Moreover, Minister Arora shared an exciting update that the Punjab government has recently approved the initiation of a National Defense Academy Preparatory Wing for girls at the esteemed Mai Bhago AFPI, scheduled to commence next month. This new development underscores the commitment of the institute to provide a comprehensive platform for young women aspiring to join various armed forces pre-commission training academies.
Expressing delight over the commissioning of Ivraj Kaur and Prabhsimran Kaur as flying officers, Major General J S Sandhu (retd), the esteemed Director of Mai Bhago AFPI, expressed confidence that this remarkable achievement would invigorate their efforts to send more girls from Punjab to prestigious armed forces training academies. He extended his best wishes to the newly commissioned officers, foreseeing a bright and prosperous future for them within the IAF.
Meanwhile, at a passing out parade held at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal and Hyderabad, four cadets from the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (for boys) have also achieved the momentous honor of being commissioned into the IAF. Ishan Bakshi, Manraj Singh Sahni, Harshit Bakshi, and Armaandeep Singh Sodhi have joined the esteemed ranks of the Armed Forces, adding to the pride and glory of their families and the state of Punjab.
This recent achievement marks a grand total of 140 cadets from the Maharaja Ranjit Singh AFPI who have been commissioned as officers in the Armed Forces over the past 11 years, according to media reports.
