This Republic Day, India will script a new chapter in the history of women empowerment. Flight Lieutenant Swati Rathore a local girl from Rajasthan will become the first woman ever to lead the flypast on the main Republic Day parade at Delhi’s Rajpath on January 26, 2021. Becoming an icon for several young women in the nation, Swati Rathore has set her journey to a path which will bring honour and glory to her family, her state and the nation.
Wonder-girl Swati to lead the flypast!
Born in a small village in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, Swati did her schooling from Ajmer. During her childhood, she made a tricolour in a painting competition, making evident her ardent love for her nation. Eventually, her parents pushed her to realise her dream and post-schooling, she joined the NCC Air Wing. Her proud father, Dr Bhavani Singh Rathore said, “My daughter has let me hold my head high. I am overwhelmed as the dream which she saw has turned into reality.”
Rathore, who is a Deputy Director in the state’s Agriculture Department, also appealed all parents to help their daughters fulfil their dreams. Her mother Rajesh Kanwar says that she never treated her son and daughter differently, and this is the reason that her daughter is going to create history.
Swati had cherished the dream to become a pilot and was selected in the IAF in her first attempt in 2014. Her brother is posted in the Merchant Navy. In 2013, Swati appeared in the Air Force Common Admission Test. After clearing it, she was called for an interview by the Air Force Selection Board, Dehradun, in March 2014. According to Swati, there were around 200 female students from all over the country, out of which 98 were selected for screening. Only five students were left after the screening, in which only she was selected for the flying branch. Her achievement drew praise from the state’s leaders.
Wishes for a bright future!
Former State Chief Minister tweeted, “It is a matter of pride for all of us that the daughter of Veerbhoomi #Rajasthan and Flight Lieutenant of Air Force #SwatiRathore will lead the ‘Fly Past’ in the parade on Rajpath on the occasion of Republic Day. I wish her a bright future!” Besides him, the former Deputy CM highlighted how her achievements sets an example of women empowerment while bringing pride and honour to the sate. He too has wished Flight Lieutenant Swati Rathore the very best for her future endeavours.