Meet Shaliza Dhami, The Woman IAF Pilot who led the IAF Day Parade

By Dhanalakshmi M

In a world where stereotypes about gender roles in the military are slowly being shattered, there are individuals who stand tall, defying conventions and proving that determination knows no gender. Shaliza Dhami is a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the first woman to command a front-line combat unit in the IAF. She has shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for more women officers to achieve milestones. 

Who is Shaliza Dhami?

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Dhami joined the IAF in 2003 and is a qualified flying instructor. She made history in March 2023 when she became the first female commander of a front-line combat unit. At present, she is at the helm of a missile squadron in the Western sector.

Education

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Dhami, who grew up in the city of Ludhiana in Punjab, had nurtured a dream of joining the air force since her high school days. She was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in 2003 and became the first woman flying instructor in the IAF. She has clocked over 23,000 flying hours and is a qualified flying instructor.

Achievements

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Dhami's command of the IAF Day parade is a significant milestone for women in the army. It symbolizes the growing prominence of women in the Indian Air Force and serves as an inspiration to young women who aspire to serve their country.

Dhami has a long list of achievements. She is the first woman officer to be granted permanent commission for a long tenure with the IAF. The Indian Air Force has granted women officers the opportunity to serve on the Short Service Commission since 1994. In 2016, they recruited their first female fighter pilot force. However, it wasn't until March 2019 that women officers were legally empowered to be eligible for permanent commissions and were mandated to be treated equally to their male counterparts.

Awards

Dhami has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for her contribution to the IAF. She has also been awarded the Chief of Air Staff Commendation for her outstanding performance.

Performance in IAF Pilot

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Dhami has been a trailblazer in the IAF. She has been the second-in-command for a Chetak helicopter unit at Hindon Airbase. She is currently at the helm of a missile squadron in the Western sector. She led the Indian Air Force Day parade in Prayagraj, becoming the first female officer to do so.

Her hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving her country is inspiring many young girls to join the armed forces. She is an inspiration to women everywhere who aspire to break barriers and achieve their dreams.

We are super proud of Shaliza and all brave women in the army who are inspiring all of us everyday!

Pic in Banner Source: News18

Information Source: Various News Articles