"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
3 Nov 2022
While for many, the sky is the limit, Zoya Aggarwal dreamed of conquering the skies. She knew she was born to fly and expressed her desire to become a pilot to her family who was taken aback and unrelenting. She was born at a time when girls in India were expected to get married, have children, and look after their families. It was no wonder then that when Zoya made up her mind to become a pilot, her mother cried and asked her to find a suitable husband instead.
Aggarwal went on to have a distinguished career after receiving her license in 2004. Last year, she inaugurated the longest non-stop Indian commercial flight with an all-female crew. She was honored on national television during India's Republic Day celebrations after piloting the 17-hour San Francisco to Bangalore route. She also became a spokesperson for the UN agency for women.
Perseverance is the key to success. Impressed by her determination after years of trying to dissuade her, her parents surprised her by agreeing to pay for her flight training.
Aggarwal, who has the words "Born to Fly" tattooed on her shoulder blade, was one of only a "small handful" of female pilots when she started flying for Air India, the national carrier.
She knew she was paving the way for the future of women in aviation in India. According to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, India is now the country with the highest rate of female pilots.
