Sign InThis August, the month of our 75th Independence Day, Femina celebrates the Defenders of Our Freedoms, women who are at the forefront of ensuring liberty and safety on a national level. With this feature on women from across India’s armed forces – the Army, Navy and Air Force – we reiterate our respect and gratitude both for the service they offer and the inspiration they provide to women across India and the world
“Donning the uniform and serving the nation has its own charm”
Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta
Photographs: Vijay Singh (WEDDSHOOTER)
Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta was commissioned in the IAF as a helicopter pilot in June, 2007. She has extensive operational flying experience in the North East and the Ladakh areas, including the Siachen Glacier, the highest battleground in the world. She is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. She was born and brought up in Delhi, and studied at the Montfort Senior Secondary School. After her 12th, she started her flying training on a Cessna at the Safdarjung Airport in Delhi, after clearing exams for a student pilot’s license. She pursued her graduation from the University of Birmingham with a BA (Hons) in hospitality and business management. On returning to India, she applied to join the IAF. She cleared the SSB and joined training at Dundigal, Hyderabad, in January 2006.
“The Air Force has taught me that we must take responsibility for our actions and deliver each and every time. There should not be any excuses.” – Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta
I have always had a great interest in aviation, and I was contemplating a career as an airline pilot.
However, I came across this chance to join the flying branch of the Indian Air Force and I thought, why not? Being a part of the defence forces, donning the uniform and serving the nation has its own charm.
The top lesson that being part of the armed forces has taught me
is that compassion, empathy, gratitude, hard work and the right attitude are essential. The Air Force has taught me that hard work is the key to success. Also the fact that in adversity lies opportunity. The Air Force has taught me that we must take responsibility for our actions and deliver each and every time. There should not be any excuses.
My routine starts early in the morning with a weather briefing at around 7 am.
This is followed by a briefing in the unit, which includes details of the flight profile, duration, handling of critical emergencies, etc. The duration of daily flying is dependent on the task at hand and can go up to six hours. My evenings are generally free to play with my dogs and to prepare for the next day’s flying. I always make sure that I go to bed early, so that I am fresh for the next day.
Photographs: Vijay Singh (WEDDSHOOTER)
Being a helicopter pilot in the IAF is the best fit for me.
The profession provides a tremendous amount of job satisfaction and career opportunities. I love and enjoy what I do, and my job takes me to places which otherwise are not accessible to everyone. Since my husband is also a helicopter pilot in the IAF, our lives revolve around our profession at all times.
“My idea of freedom is an environment that gives me space to grow as a person.” – Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta
More women should be joining the Air Force because it is the best organisation to be with.
The work environment is conducive to personal growth, there is a great deal of job satisfaction, and there is regard only for merit at the workplace. Also, you get to attend various military and professional courses to garner and enhance knowledge.
I would like to tell women across India to rise up,
dream and set forth one step at a time. And keep marching… till you make your dreams a reality.
My idea of freedom is an environment that gives me space to grow as a person,
and, at the same time, holds me accountable towards the overall growth of our country and the IAF.
Also read: #DefendersOfOurFreedom: Lieutenant Shivangi Singh
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