Indian Navy takes city girl on board to guide its jets

Having grown up hearing stories about the defence sector-her father and grandfather had served the country's armed forces-Pratiksha Avasthi knew she too wanted to be there. The 22-year-old's dream came true when she was offered a job in the Air Traffic Controlling department of the Indian Navy. Avasthi, a final year student of master's degree in rubber technology at LD College of Engineering (LDCE) is the first from her college to get a job in the Navy. She has been offered an annual salary package of Rs 15 lakh.

"I had always wanted to work for the country. So being part of the Indian Navy is like a dream come true. I had applied for the job when I was doing BTech. The exam includes a written test and the whole process takes five days. My exam was held in Bhopal," she said.

Talking to Mirror, Avasthi said that she would initially undergo training in Kerala, after which she will be given a posting. Her job will be to guide navigation of fighter planes and jet planes. "My father and grandfather were in defence. I always wanted to do similar work and so I chose Navy. Earlier, there were restrictions of women joining the sector and Navy, but now there is no such thing. Women are assigned work in the war field. We have to take up responsibility," she said.

She has made us proud: College

Though she did not get the job through campus placement, her college is proud of her achievement. "This is an example of women empowerment. At a time when girls are breaking professional and social barriers, it is heartening to see our students getting jobs where they can serve the nation," said GP Vadodaria, principal of LDCE.

Vadodaria confirmed that Avasthi was the first student from the college to bag a job in Indian Navy. "She chose to work in Indian Navy when students look forward to getting cushy jobs that pay them well. Not many are willing to take up a job in the defence sector and we are proud of her," he added.