Women are making a mark in all the fields including Defense and Army. Not only that, they are moving forward and now leading from the front in many sectors similar to Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shaliza Dhamia who has now been appointed as the first Indian female Flight Commander of a flying unit. It means she will be the second in command of her unit.
Its Dream Come True For Shaliza
Shaliza always wanted to become a pilot since she was studying in the 9th grade. She was born in Ludhiana to parents having government jobs. Her first solo flight was in Hyderabad in 2003 on HPT-32 Deepak which was a basic trainer aircraft. By 2017, she had spent more than 2,300 hours in the air.
Indian Air Force’s Wing Commander S Dhami has become the first female officer in the country to become the Flight Commander of a flying unit. She took over as Flight Commander of a Chetak helicopter unit at Hindon air base. Flight Commander is the second in command of the unit. pic.twitter.com/JRTzYATGMP
— ANI (@ANI) August 27, 2019
Now after serving the IAF for 15 years, she has been given the privilege of donning the illustrious cap of Flight Commander. Incidentally, Shaliza was also the first female flying instructor as well as the first woman officer who received a permanent commission of the flying branch.
From L to R: Sqn Ldr Shaliza Dhami, Wg Cdr K Maheshpriya, Sqn Ldr Nivedita Choudhary, Wg Cdr SK Minhas, Sqn Ldr Anioushka Lomas. pic.twitter.com/06C1wNgHuf
— DefenceLover (@Military_Indian) April 19, 2017
Dhami flies choppers and has now taken over as the Flight Commander of Chetak helicopter unit at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Shazia will operate a light utility helicopter with the capacity to accommodate six passengers or carry 500 kg with a speed of maximum 220km/hour.
Women Surging Ahead Despite Prejudice
When girls are small, they are told to play close to homes and engage in somber activities. That is the reason why many girls and young women never try out new professions like IAF and adventure sports. IAF and army are considered too dangerous and rough for women even though now they are going ahead in these sectors as well.
Even the Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said last year that combat roles would “put women at risk and they can’t leave behind young children.” Nevertheless, women like Shaliza Dhami are setting up examples and striding ahead.
2/n 1thing all IAF pilots will agree unanimously “There is no job as tough as Flight Commander ”. This one appointment each officer will cherish throughout life & good to know Shaliza has joined the gang. I am most grateful, I trained Shaliza, my pupils made me who I am.
— Nitin Welde (@nitinwelde) August 26, 2019
Today is a historic day for Indian Air Force.
Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami has taken over as Flight Commander of an operational unit. She is first lady officer who got a permanent commission and first lady QFI too. @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/E7xUgsZT0D— Subodh Kumar Srivastava (@SriSubodhKmr) August 27, 2019
Here's wishing Wg Cdr Shaliza Dhami a professionally enriching, satisfying and most enjoyable Command! The skies beckon…may you soar high! God bless you! Jai Hind
— Lt Gen D R Soni (Retd) (@Skoybster) August 27, 2019
Woman, no less than Man!
Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami proves it by becoming first woman Flight Commander of a flying unit!
She is the 1st lady officer to get permanent commission & also the 1st lady Qualified Flying Instructor.
Proud of you, Kudos!#NaariShakti pic.twitter.com/sPl9cmjr5M— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) August 27, 2019
Her achievement is going to give wings to aspirations of so many others. She came into news in 2017 as the first woman flying instructor in @IAF_MCC Congratulations on the new feather in your cap Wg Cdr Shaliza Dhami. Fly high forever! ???#ShalizaDhami https://t.co/TYiBtMmkN1
— Vani Chauhan ?? (@Vani_Chauhan) August 27, 2019
@IAF_MCC opens its doors to women for command positions: Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami is its 1st flight commander of an operational unit pic.twitter.com/9ShyqAGYN4
— Vishal Thapar (@thaparvishal) August 27, 2019
Video of the Day:
Subscribe to Metrosaga Youtube channel
