The "Giving Wings to Dreams 2023" Awards ceremony was held at Roseate House in New Delhi by Women in Aviation India. The event was organized to honor the exceptional contributions made by women in the aviation industry. The occasion honored the accomplishments of almost 30 women who have made phenomenal advances in a range of aviation-related fields.
The objective of Women in Aviation India (WAI), a committed organization that represents a range of aviation verticals, is to encourage young girls to consider careers in aviation. To carry forward the initiative driven by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi titled "Beti Bachao, Beti Padao," this initiative was created under the slogan "Beti ki Udaan, Desh Ka Swabhimaan."
Distinguished Chief Guest General (Dr.) VK Singh (Retd), Hon'ble Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways, GOI, graced the awards ceremony. Women achievers in a variety of categories were recognized, including flight operations, aviation journalism, airside operations, terminal operations, ground support, engineering, and passenger operations (ground handling).
This year, the event added new categories to honor women who excel in the aviation and defense industries and serve as inspiration to today's youth. In addition to this, Tessy Thomas who is also known as the Missile Woman of India was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her innovative work as the first female scientist to lead an Indian missile project.
A jury of industry experts selected deserving achievers. WAI created a booklet listing 60 unique aviation jobs for young girls, distributed at Girls in Aviation Day events (GIAD), reaching thousands of girls in India. At GIAD 2022, seven essay competition winners were recognized as "Young Aviation Aspirants." Gen. Dr. V. K. Singh, the chief guest, appreciated WAI's efforts and underlined the significance of encouraging more women and closing the gender gap.
The President of the Women in Aviation India chapter, Radha Bhatia praised the awards' success in promoting the significance of the "Beti ki Udaan, Desh ka Swabhimaan" initiative.
