Until 1992, the Indian Air Force (IAF) did not allow women pilots to fly solo. The gender-friendly equation we see now in the defense forces is not very old, just a few decades ago. Defense forces mainly consisted of male officers only.
In 1992, the Ministry of Defense made a radical change in its policies. Now the Ministry of Defense has decided to induct women as pilots.
Air Force has taken out 8 vacancies for women pilots. 20,000 women enthusiastic for this post appeared for the written test and out of these 500 qualified the entrance test.
These women were re-written in Mysore, Dehradun, Varanasi centers. In Which 13 women passed. These women underwent a week's physical training.
Harita Kaur Deol was one of these women.
Thus in 1993, Flight Lieutenant Harita Kaur Deol became one of the first seven women candidates to join the Air Force as a Short Service Commission (SSC) officer.
She underwent initial training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Karnataka) along with other women candidates. She underwent further training at the Air Lift Force Training Establishment (ALFTE) at Yelahanka Air Force Station.
After her training, Harita Kaur Deol carved a new bright future for Indian women. She not only paved the way for women but also changed the history of the Indian Air Force.
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On 2 September 1994, the 22-year-old young officer flew solo in an Avro HS-748 to an altitude of 10,00 feet.
Courageous Harita Kaur Deol skillfully piloted the aircraft on her maiden flight, talking to the air for almost half an hour. She was being closely monitored in ATC, but she did not give any reason for concern to his colleagues and superiors.
She is full of confidence as if she is writing history for women in the sky itself.
Although the presence of a co-pilot is mostly seen in the Air Force aircraft, but this was the first proud moment when Harita Kaur Deol, single-handedly managed to fly an army aircraft at such a height.
Air Commodore PR Kumar, the Air Officer-in-Command at the Air Lift Force Training Establishment (ALFTE), was tasked with investigating Harita Kaur Deol's flight.
She was completely impressed by her performance and could not stop himself from praising her. According to one report, she said “She was confident and the aircraft was in full control. Her take-off and landing were excellent. The level at which she took off was much more than I had expected. Girls are more clear in expression.
It was not only the most memorable moment in Harita Kaur Deol's life but also a proud moment for her training officer. Her training officer said that Harita was performing better than the male pilots.
After the flight was successful, Harita Kaur Deol while interacting with the media said,
“I am happy that I flew solo and lived up to my instructor's expectations. First I will talk to my parents and maybe celebrate today's victory with my friends over the weekend.
It was not a small achievement of Harita Kaur Deol at all. She had done what no one had ever seen or thought before.
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With this solo flight, she proved to the Indian Air Force and the rest of the world that women can do anything if given the right opportunity.
Women are making milestones every day but it is a bitter truth that even today our country is bound by the shackles of orthodox thinking. Even today, attempts are made to snatch away their dreams by citing society and culture. Women have to struggle in every field. Despite having talent, one has to become a victim of gender discrimination. Things are definitely changing with time, but the struggle of women is going on.
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Birth and Early Life
Harita Kaur Deol was born on 10 November 1971 in a Sikh family in Chandigarh. She was the only daughter of her parents. Her father RS Deol was a colonel in the Indian Army.
She wanted to be a part of the Indian Air Force since childhood. Her school and college studies were done in Punjab only.
Harita Kaur Deol joined the Indian Air Force in 1993 with 7 women Short Service Commission Officers and created history by flying a solo Air Force aircraft in 1994.
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Death
In the year 1992, Harita Kaur Deol started her career in the Indian Air Force. She said goodbye to the world only two years after creating history in 1994.
24 airmen including Harita Kaur Deol were on one of their flights from Chennai to Hyderabad on 24 December 1996.
Flight Lieutenant Harita Kaur, 25, was flying the Avro HS-748 aircraft as a co-pilot. The plane crashed and exploded near Bukkapuram village in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh due to a technical fault. In this accident, all the Air Force personnel aboard lost their lives.
Even though she is not among us today, her story is an inspiration for all women.
How can anyone set limits on your flight? Set your own flight altitude.
Either struggle or make others guilty by beating the drum of compulsion. But are outright criminals going to stop you? Have you tried yours?
The destination cannot be achieved by being afraid of struggle. So apply your full power with confidence.
How do you like the inspirational story of courageous Harita Kaur Deol? Do tell us in the comment box.
Millions of salutes to this brave girl for Jagdisha.
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