A 25-year-old woman, with a Kashmiri lineage, who has become the country’s youngest pilot, is set to be a source of inspiration for numerous women from the violence-hit region.
25-year-old Ayesha Aziz, who grew up in Mumbai, aspired to become a pilot from her childhood. “Becoming youngest pilot was not important for me, but what exactly is joyous is that I have achieved my dream and goal of my life,” she told reporters over the phone.
Her father resides in Mumbai while her mother belongs to Kashmir. “As my mother belongs to Kashmir, we stayed there for nearly four years after completing my class 12th. I have been flying in and out of Kashmir for my training and other purposes after my high school,” Ayesha said.
In 2011, she became the youngest student pilot to get a license at the age of 15 and underwent training to fly a MiG-29 jet at Russia's Sokol airbase the following year. “As I used to fly frequently from Mumbai to Kashmir and vice-versa with my mother since childhood, I developed interest in flying. I wanted to be a pilot when I was in my middle,” she said.
Ayesha graduated in aviation from the Bombay Flying Club (BFC) and obtained a commercial license in 2017. “Soon after getting my first license, I got a commercial license after that very shortly,” she said.
Asked how she feels about becoming the youngest female pilot in the country, Ayesha said she is glad that she achieved her dream. “It is soothing that I achieved what I always dreamt of,” she said.
Her message to youngsters in Kashmir is to focus on their target and “don’t bother to think about what society thinks.” “There would be people who will speak against you. But, one must remain focused towards his/her goal to achieve it.”
She also suggested parents support their children to achieve their dreams. “Youth can’t go ahead until they have the support of their parents. They are the responsibility of their parents who play a pivotal role in fulfilling their dreams. Parents should give freedom to their children to pursue their goals,” Ayesha said.
The 25-year-old pilot says she holds a strong identity of herself from the place where her mother belongs. “Even when I am in Mumbai, I only sip Nun Chai (Kashmiri salt tea). I always prefer Kashmiri food. Despite spending most of the time outside Kashmir, I know my language (Kashmiri) and often speak it,” she said.
Besides achieving her goal by becoming a pilot, Ayesha wants to do humanitarian service. “I want to help the poor and needy in my life. I am looking forward to collaborating with UNICEF soon,” she added.