Shivangi Singh Soars High as India's Rafale Pilot
With her sights set on becoming an astronaut, Singh is poised to take on new challenges and push the boundaries of what is possible for women in India's military and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer in her field.
Shivangi Singh, India's only woman Rafale pilot, has achieved her childhood dream of becoming a pilot, inspired by her mother's encouragement and overcoming obstacles to fly fighter jets, a role women were only allowed to take on in 2015.
Born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Singh's journey to becoming a pilot began at the age of 9, when she visited an air force museum and knew immediately that she wanted to fly. She studied at Banaras Hindu University and later joined the Indian Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, where she trained with French instructors to become a skilled Rafale pilot.
Now posted at Ambala Air Force Station, Singh has set her sights on a new challenge: becoming an astronaut. She has applied for pilot training for India's manned space mission, driven by a desire to push beyond her current achievements. Singh's determination and perseverance have made her a trailblazer in a field once dominated by men, and her story serves as an inspiration to young women across India.
As India modernizes its air force, with a multi-billion dollar deal for 26 Rafale jets, Singh's achievement is a testament to the country's progress in promoting gender equality in the military. Her journey is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, women can break down barriers and achieve their dreams, even in the most challenging fields.
Shivangi Singh's story is a shining example of what can be achieved through determination and passion, and her future endeavors will undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue their own dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem.