Bhubaneswar: In a proud moment for Odisha, four students from Rama Devi Women’s Junior College, Bhubaneswar, were awarded scholarships to pursue foundational aviation courses during the prestigious Women in Aviation India Awards 2024.
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation at Aerocity, New Delhi, celebrated the theme “Giving Wings to Dreams,” highlighting the achievements of trailblazing women in aviation and inspiring future generations.
The scholarship recipients—Puspanjali Gouda, Ankita Priyadarshinee Swain, Devaswinee Jena, and Ananya Jyoti Routray—emerged victorious from an essay competition held on November 8, 2024, on the theme “Empowering Dreams to Soar.”
The competition, organized at their college, aimed to encourage young women to explore careers in aviation. Saroj Laxmi Singh, Principal of Rama Devi Junior College, lauded the initiative, stating, “This recognition not only motivates our students but also reinforces the power of education in enabling young women to dream big and achieve their goals.”
The awards ceremony commenced with a traditional lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment.
Radha Bhatia, President of Women in Aviation India, delivered an inspiring welcome address, emphasizing the limitless opportunities for women in aviation. Jury member Vivek Atray shared insights into the rigorous and transparent selection process, adding credibility to the awards.
In a keynote address, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive growth and highlighted women’s pivotal role in shaping the aviation sector.
Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, spotlighted the state’s innovative initiatives in empowering women and contributing to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
The event also honoured luminaries of Indian aviation, underscoring the Ministry’s dedication to nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity, and driving innovation.
