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Women’s Day celebrations in India this year took a back seat what with the BBC documentary on India’s Daughter, and the Indian government’s decision to ban it (which of course made it even more famous). However, women got a reason to cheer nonetheless thanks to pilot Nivedita Bhasin!
A co-pilot with Air India, Nivedita commandeered an AI Dreamliner on the Delhi-Australia route with an all-female crew on March 8, creating history of sorts. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most advanced planes that we have today. However, accomplishments like these are a part of Nivedita’s career. Exactly 30 years ago, she was the co-pilot on India’s first all-women crew flight operated by former Indian Airlines. Back then, the aircraft, a Fokker was one of the most advanced aircrafts too.
Apart from flying the most advanced machines in aviation history, Nivedita also holds the record for being the world’s first commercial airline commander and training captain for the B-787. When she first donned the hat of a commander, at the age of 26, she was the youngest pilot globally to achieve that feat. She was also the third Indian woman to join Indian Airlines at the age of 21.
The history of civil aviation proved it was a male-dominated sphere until about a decade ago. Even today, we find airhostess institutes propping up, a dime a dozen, promising girls a career that gives them the opportunity to see the whole wide world. While cabin crew remains a highly female dominated sector, it is heartening to see the likes of Nivedita Bhasin who not only creates history with her career growth but also serves as an inspiration for many young girls who can dream of seeing the whole wide world in a far bigger way.
Image courtest: BCCL
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