Aero India 2019 celebrate woman professionals in Defence Aviation

The Aero India show that is on in Bengaluru is celebrating successful women professionals in the field of Defence Aviation. As a precursor to the focus theme, a seminar was organised yesterday on Women in Aviation.

The successful professionals from the field of Aviation and defence spoke on how they succeeded in establishing themselves in the professions dominated by men. Dr. Tessy Thomas who is Director General (Aero) in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) narrates of her experience as the Project Director of Agni missile programme. Dr. Tessy, popularly known as the Missile Woman of India, is a recipient of several prestigious awards for her contribution to the nation in defence technology.

Former Defence Minister A K Antny presenting the DRDO award to Tessy Thomas, Project Director for Agni IV, on October 01, 2012.

Captain Harpreet De Singh is the first and only Lady Chief of Flight Safety approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India. Working as the Executive Director of Air India she shared her experience as the first Lady Ground instructor of pilots.

Captain Harpreed De Singh with Air India crew

Captain Aparajita Sharma is a paratrooper in the Indian army who created a Limca Book of Record by performing yoga at the highest point on Mount Bhagirathi as part of the Indian Army Women Officer mountaineering expedition. She illustrates through examples on how her leadership skills helped her excel at challenges.

Captain Aparajita and team on Mount Bhagirathi

Several women in the field of aviation and defence have shared their experiences and the hardships they had to face to reach their current positions, which were mostly a male dominated sector. These women achievers set examples by their courage, intellect and perseverance and have become a role model for the younger generation.