India has seen many breakthroughs in the last few years, with one such major achievement being made by Bhawana Kanth, one of the first female fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016. She demonstrated determination, bravery, and the willingness to break through long-held barriers in a male-oriented profession.
Bhawana Kanth was born on December 1, 1992, in Darbhanga, Bihar, and was raised in an environment that supported learning and instilled values regarding good moral character. She attended school in Mohali before going on to complete her Engineering degree in Medical Electronics at BMS College of Engineering in Bengaluru in 2014. She completed her schooling at DAV Public School, Barauni, and worked briefly at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) before pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot.
Bhawana Kanth pursued her dream of becoming a pilot once she cleared the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). She completed her training and subsequently chose the fighter stream after completing all of her initial training. In 2016, she became part of the first batch of women inducted as fighter pilots in the IAF, alongside Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh.
In March of 2018, she made history as the first Indian woman to fly the MiG-21 Bison jet fighter alone. This accomplishment further established her as a pioneer in aviation and solidified her status among other accomplished individuals at this level in the operating fighter community; being assigned to a fully-posted operational fighter squadron was just another feather in her cap.
Her numerous awards include the “Raksha Mantri Award for Best Flying (Female) Pilot “as a result of exceptional ability and accomplishments during her time as a student pilot. Participation in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi was another opportunity to represent the increasing number of women engaged in military service in India.
Her story is a great source of encouragement to all aspiring pilots and other women pursuing careers outside their gender. The evidence of Kanth’s success is that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their goals through hard work and determination, and that no one should ever allow gender to be a limiting factor when following their dreams.
Her dedication to achieving a high standard of fitness and learning, as well as pursuing excellence professionally, creates a standard for others who wish to pursue careers that require great performance levels.
Women’s Empowerment and the Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF), founded in 1932, has grown into one of the most respected air forces globally, with women being allowed into combat positions as an extra milestone towards developing gender equality within defence organisations. Today, women are participating in various areas of the IAF, contributing to protecting our country.
Final Thoughts
Bhawana Kanth represents determination and bravery, moving from a small village in Bihar to being inside the cockpit of a fighter jet, showcasing the numerous opportunities available for women to create for themselves in the country. The achievement of Bhawana Kanth will be used to inspire many to fulfill their dream of achieving beyond expectations and breaking the norm through excellence.
