Bhubaneswar: The “Girls in Aviation Day 2024” event, held at Rama Devi Women’s University in Bhubaneswar, celebrated a powerful message of opportunity and empowerment for young women interested in aviation careers. Organized by the Odisha Commerce and Transport Department in collaboration with Women in Aviation India (WAI), the event, themed “Empowering Dreams to Soar,” provided students with insights into skill development, career pathways, and the importance of gender diversity in the aviation industry.
Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce, Transport, Steel, and Mines, inaugurated the event, emphasizing Odisha’s commitment to achieving 50% female participation in aviation roles. “Odisha is dedicated to breaking traditional barriers in this field,” he stated, highlighting the state’s vision for a gender-inclusive aviation sector.
Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, introduced a Career Job Booklet to guide young women on aviation career paths, saying, “For aviation, the sky is not the limit but just a beginning.” The booklet aims to help students understand the skills and steps needed to succeed in the dynamic aviation industry.
WAI President Radha Bhatia delivered an inspiring address, encouraging young women to embrace opportunities in aviation with her words, “Chu lengi aasmaan Bharat ki betiyaan!” Rashmita Panda underscored the state’s initiatives in skill development, equipping young women with the training needed to excel in aviation roles.
The event featured hands-on career guidance from industry experts, including Sana Mudeer, Jasmine Parichha, and Sonia Kapila, who engaged students in discussions on aviation roles and the skills essential for success. A lively Q&A session followed, giving students the chance to interact directly with these professionals. Additionally, an essay competition on “Empowering Dreams to Soar” saw enthusiastic participation, with winners to be honored by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation.
The event also highlighted Odisha’s upcoming Aviation Center at Birasal, a Centre of Excellence focused on comprehensive aviation training, further reinforcing the state’s progressive approach toward aviation education and career readiness for young women.