The India Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI)
Hosted GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY On 24th September 2016
India 26 September 2016: The India Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) celebrated Girls in Aviation Day across the country, showcasing the aviation and aerospace domains to CONNECT, EXPLORE & EXPERIENCE THE AVIATION AND AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES. The objective was to celebrate Girls in Aviation Day, in the presence of dignitaries, NCC cadets and girls from various NGOs. Besides Delhi the day is being celebrated in Mumbai, Hyderabad and will be continued in Bangalore on 29th of September 2016.
The program was attended by esteemed dignitaries and WAI (India Chapter) members, to create awareness among GIRLS about various verticals of Aviation as in career opportunities available in them. The girls from the age group of 11 to 17 enjoyed the sessions and the opportunity to speak to some of the stalwarts of the industry.
Radha Bhatia Chairperson Bird Group and President WAI (India Chapter) says – With the global celebration we aim to empower more and more girls with the requisite skill sets to take aviation as a viable career option. With the successful celebration of the International Girls in Aviation Day I aim to launch a scholarship program for young deserving girls with support from industry and the civil aviation ministry.
L to R - Meenakshi Dua, Phil Shaw, Chief Executive Lockhead Martin India , Radha Bhatia President WAI India Chapter and Neelam Pratap Rudy, Vice President WAI India Chapter at the innauguration of the event
Phil Shaw Chief Executive Lockheed Martin with Radha President President WAI India chapter and Neelam Pratap Rudy, Vice President WAI India Chapter with other members of Girls in Aviation Day
Radha Bhatia and Neelam Pratap Rudy with the students at Girls in Aviation event
Radha Bhatia, Chairperson Bird Group and President WAI ( India Chapter ) and Neelam Pratap Rudy Vice President Women in Aviation International ( WAI ) India Chapter at the event Girls in Aviation Day
Neelam Pratap Rudy, Vice President, Women in Aviation International (WAI) India Chapter says, “Celebrating Women in Aviation is set to lead women empowerment in the sphere of Aviation Industry. Personal Inspiration by successful women aviators as role models and mentors can be instrumental in motivation. With Aviation expansion plans in India. I foresee a sharp rise in jobs and women conquering aviation technology and being change agents in the industry.”
Addressing the WAI gathering, Phil Shaw, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India stated, "The aviation sector in India offers endless opportunities for women as pilots, engineers, and managers. Women are breaking the traditional moulds and venturing into more adventurous areas. Organizations like Lockheed Martin need to offer our support, recognize their ability to excel and provide them with proper education and training. With the support of organisations like WAI, I believe that more Indian women will continue to reach greater heights in the field of aviation.
What Dr Kalpana Chawla said after her world-first experience, I think, resonates very well with the audience we have with us here today. She said, “‘what you dream is what you become”, and I think we are doing just that today at this Girl’s Event organized by WAI."
The India Chapter comprises of a group of women professionals from various sectors of aviation. The aim of Girls in Aviation is to further expand the professional curve of girls into hitherto ‘unknown’ sectors of occupations in aviation and aerospace. It promotes forays out of the age-old ‘glamour’ quotient that may encompass airhostesses and pilots.
Supporting Organizations:
Bird Group
Air India
Lockheed Martin
KPMG
Air Asia
GMR Group
AmCham