By Staff Correspondent
History was written not only for the Indian Navy but for the entire nation as Aastha Poonia, a B.Tech student from Banasthali Vidyapeeth, emerged as the country’s first female fighter pilot in the Navy. She earned the coveted ‘Wings of Gold’ and was accorded the honour of being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. This achievement signifies her remarkable determination and sets a new precedent for gender representation in one of the nation’s most esteemed defence services.
Aastha’s journey is rooted in early passions and unwavering encouragement. Hailing from Hisawada, a modest village in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, Aastha was inspired from a young age by her father, Arun Poonia, a mathematics teacher. Her fascination with aircraft, evident since childhood, blossomed into a steadfast ambition. Every time she heard the roar of an aircraft above, her curiosity pushed her outside, her gaze fixed skyward—a symbolic gesture that would later translate into aspirations to conquer the skies herself.
Integral to Aastha’s achievements is the unique environment cultivated at Banasthali Vidyapeeth, an institution synonymous with empowering women in diverse fields. Drawing inspiration from numerous alumni who have excelled in various military services, Aastha credits her success to the nurturing guidance of her teachers, the rigorous training provided by the university, and the indelible motto of “nation first” that permeates the campus ethos. University Director Anshuman Shastri recognizes Aastha’s academic brilliance and potential, recalling that her extraordinary intelligence and commitment in the classroom foreshadowed her future accomplishments. The pride of Banasthali Vidyapeeth resonates not just with her family but throughout the university community, which continues to produce graduates excelling in military, judicial, and corporate spheres.
Aastha’s pioneering role is not isolated but forms part of a growing legacy established by women from Banasthali. Notably, Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, also an alumna, was the first female pilot in India to fly a fighter jet. Avani broke longstanding gender barriers, not only in India but on a global stage—countries such as America and Brazil being among the few that allowed women such opportunities previously. Avani further distinguished herself as the first Indian woman to fly the MiG-21 Bison solo and to participate in international aerial combat exercises. Aastha Poonia’s achievement thus represents both an inspiration and a logical progression in this legacy.
The significance of Aastha Poonia’s accomplishment extends beyond personal triumph. Her selection sends a strong message regarding the evolving role of women in the armed forces, symbolizing courage, leadership, and service to the nation. It showcases the transformative impact of supportive educational environments and highlights the changing perspectives within India regarding gender roles in defence services. This progress was once unimaginable, but today, India stands among nations proactively paving the way for women to contribute in traditionally male-dominated domains such as the Navy’s fighter aviation arm. Aastha Poonia’s exceptional achievement as the first female fighter pilot in the Indian Navy is a testament to individual ambition underscored by institutional support and a wider societal shift toward gender parity. Her journey is both a milestone and a beacon, inspiring many young women across the nation to dream boldly and to pursue their aspirations within the armed forces and beyond. The doors she has opened promise not only enhanced diversity in the Indian Navy but also a stronger, more inclusive future for the nation’s defence services
