The Hindu : New Delhi News : Soaring high in the air

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Monday, Apr 16, 2007
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Soaring high in the air

The first Indian woman commander of Airbus 300, Indraani Singh, who is now 20 years into her flying career, is also steeped in social work, says P. Anima

Not many young women considered flying a possible career option in the 1980s. But that did not deter Indraani Singh, the first Indian woman commander of Airbus 300. An achievement of that kind would have prompted many to rest on their laurels, but for Captain Indraani it was merely another chapter in the long path ahead.

Almost 10 years into her flying career, Indraani along with retired Air Marshal Denzil Keelor started non-government organisation Literacy India with the aim of providing education to underprivileged and migrant children of Delhi and Haryana.

Touching her 20th year as an Indian airlines pilot and steeped into social activities as she is, Indraani vouches not to take her achievements too seriously, nor does she want to be bogged down by them.

"I don't think about my achievements too much," says the woman who is so full of life and energy. "It becomes a problem if you start thinking about it," says Indraani, who was recently felicitated for her community service by the Young Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation at a function here in the Capital.

If one had conjured up a tale of great ambition and perseverance that lay behind her decision to be a pilot, Indraani de-mystifies it in one stroke. "Flying happened as I could not get into the college of arts," she says. Keeping things simple seems to be the motto of this lady.

"I took to flying as writers would take to writing," says Indraani. "Flying for me is simple and about free floating. Each day you venture into new horizons," she says.

Indraani never comes across as a woman who would let challenging circumstances weigh her down. Being a woman in what was typically a male calling those days, Indraani did face subtle barbs aimed at her gender, but it never deterred her.

"In our country, the educated lot do not express their reservations very strongly. But there used to be very subtle indications. But I took it in my stride and remained confident," recounts the veteran pilot.

Confident she remained and with time she gained the confidence of others too, including her male colleagues. "When they see the way you handle emergencies and realise you are a professional, then respect follows," elaborates Indraani.

Being in the business of flying, Indraani says there have been emergencies too many. "Be it a bird hit, hydraulic failure or multiple engine failure, I have had it all," she says. Emergencies in air are also the time when faith in God is reinforced for many pilots. Indraani admits most pilots have an inherent faith. "Most of us have that connection with God; that link with spirituality. We are in another domain most of the time," she says, giving a peek into her spiritual side.

As for faith, Indraani says being alert and quick is quintessential to the job where a moment's slackness can mean life or death. "When you are flying you are responsible for the safety of your passengers. Further, you have to think ten times ahead of others and be prepared for the unforeseen," she explains.

From flying to social work has been a different ball game altogether for Indraani. True to her spirit, she has taken it as a challenge. "I like anything challenging. If the act of flying has given me a high, social work has been a permanent high," she vouches. When it comes to community work Indraani admits: "Each day is tricky. You have to keep motivating people and also understand why education is not taken seriously at the grassroots."

Literacy India associates itself with education, empowerment and employment and also works on issues related to women's livelihood.

Indraani has been a figure of inspiration to the kids as well.

"When the teachers fail to motivate, all I have to do is wear my uniform and stand before them and then something happens," she says. It is not surprising that now there are many young girls among these children who want to take up flying as career.

The pilot who has clocked close to 9,000 hours and is still counting devotes considerable time working for underprivileged children as well as manages her family and is not intimidated by her multiple responsibilities. "I firmly believe in the saying `work, work till you die'," she concludes.

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