Induction of women as Air Force fighters is indeed a welcome step taken by the government (“ >Women will soon pilot fighter aircraft of IAF ,” Oct.25). In 1992, the Army started welcoming women as regular officers and they have since proved that they have the spirit, courage and dedication needed to serve the nation. History was made by flight Lt. Sneha Shekhawat in 2012 when she led a contingent at the Republic Day parade. Wing Commander Pooja Thakur make us feel proud by leading an inter-services guard of honour for U.S. President Barack Obama before the Republic day parade in 2015. There are many other examples of women proving their mettle in the armed forces. India is the land of brave women warriors like Rani Laxmibai, Razia Sultana and Begum Hazrat Mahal. Women fighters also played a stellar role in our Independence struggle, contributions that did not get their due. The government’s decision is a welcome step towards social equality, gender justice and the liberation of women in India.
Nisha Yadav,
Dahina, Haryana
In a country where the social evil of gender discrimination still prevails, the announcement that women can finally serve as pilots in the Indian Air Force comes as a real hope. The door of opportunities and the window of dreams for women have both opened a little wider. Though, over the years, women officers in India have faced discrimination at work, it good to notice that the government is taking measures to give them equal opportunities.
Sreelekshmi Nair,
Chennai
Women serving as fighter pilots could be new to our country but in the West, in nations like the U.S. and the U.K. they are on par with men when it comes to combat roles. Since the early part of the 20th century, women have proved to be efficient in the fighting roles, as in the case of Second World War. Many women fighters contributed to India’s Independence, for which they are seldom acknowledged. Though there remains criticism over whether women would be as physically fit as men, we are sure that, given equally effective training, they will prove their efficiency.
M. Vaishnavi Nivethitha,
Tirupur
