News

From Malkangiri to the Skies: Odisha’s Anupriya Madhumita Lakra Pilots Maiden Flight to Hometown

Malkangiri: In a significant milestone for Odisha’s aviation history, Anupriya Madhumita Lakra, a 32-year-old tribal woman and the state’s first commercial pilot from the Santal community, marked a poignant homecoming as she piloted the maiden flight from Bhubaneswar to Malkangiri. The historic moment unfolded as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the airport at Katelguda, ushering in a new era of connectivity for the once remote and left-wing extremism-affected district of Malkangiri.

Anupriya, having studied at Deepti Convent School in Malkangiri until Class VII and later completing her intermediate course from Jeevan Jyoti School in Semiliguda, pursued her dreams against the odds. Her journey took her to Bhubaneswar, where she initially enrolled in engineering studies. However, driven by her unwavering passion for aviation, she made a pivotal decision to join the Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI) in 2012.

In September 2019, Anupriya achieved her lifelong dream when she joined IndiGo as a co-pilot. Her dedication and trailblazing spirit were on full display as she piloted the historic flight connecting Bhubaneswar and Malkangiri, bridging the geographical gap between her dreams and her roots.

Bureau The News Hashtag

Recent Posts

East Coast Railway to Double Drone Fleet to 22 by March 2027

Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway (ECoR) is expanding its technology-driven security network, with plans to increase…

5 hours ago

Odisha’s Traditional Weaves and Crafts Shine at Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week 2026

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s traditional handloom and handicraft heritage took centre stage at Bhubaneswar Times Fashion Week…

7 hours ago

Odisha Prepares for Physical Tests of 4,683 Candidates in Forest, Excise Recruitment

Bhubaneswar: With physical tests for the recruitment of Foresters, Forest Guards and Excise Constables set…

2 days ago

AI, Deepfakes and Misinformation Pose New Challenges for Govt Communication: Expert

Bhubaneswar: Adapting government communication to the rapidly evolving digital and artificial intelligence (AI) landscape while…

2 days ago

ECoR Honours Olympian Amit Rohidas for Contribution to India’s Asian Games Gold

Bhubaneswar: Olympian hockey player and East Coast Railway (ECoR) Sports Officer Amit Rohidas was felicitated…

2 days ago

Odisha Launches Poultry Farming Scheme with Subsidy of Up to ₹10 Crore

Bhubaneswar: In a major push to expand egg production and attract investment in the poultry…

2 days ago