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Punjab's Pride: Two Women Soar as IAF Flying Officers

Two young women from Punjab have achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force. They graduated from the prestigious Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. Their success story originates from the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in Mohali. This achievement highlights the growing opportunities and inspiration for women in India's defence forces.

Key Points: Punjab Women Charanpreet Kaur Mehak Dahiya Commissioned as IAF Officers

  • Two alumni of Punjab's Mai Bhago AFPI commissioned as IAF Flying Officers after passing out from Dundigal
  • The officers, from modest family backgrounds, were commissioned in Administrative and Accounts branches
  • Their success is seen as an inspiration for more young women from Punjab to join defence services
  • The Punjab government has established an NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls at the institute to foster talent
2 min read

Two Punjab women commissioned as Flying Officers in Air Force

Two alumni of Punjab's Mai Bhago AFPI for Girls, Charanpreet Kaur and Mehak Dahiya, have been commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.

"This achievement will further energise the state government's efforts to encourage more girls to join the armed forces. - Major Gen Jasbir Singh Sandhu (retd), Director, Mai Bhago AFPI"

Chandigarh, Dec 13

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to support the aspirations of young women, Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls in Punjab’s Mohali has added another achievement to its illustrious history with two of its distinguished alumni, Charanpreet Kaur and Mehak Dahiya, being commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.

They passed out from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal in Hyderabad, on Saturday, bringing pride and glory to their alma mater.

They were commissioned in an impressive passing-out parade that was reviewed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan.

Flying Officer Charanpreet Kaur is the daughter of Harminder Singh Banwait, a driver by profession hailing from Kurali in Mohali, whereas Flying Officer Mehak Dahiya is the daughter of Anil Kumar Dahiya, a government teacher who also hails from Mohali.

Flying Officer Charanpreet Kaur has been commissioned in the Administrative Branch, while Flying Officer Mahak Dahiya has been commissioned in the Accounts Branch of the Air Force.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Aman Arora congratulated Flying Officers Charanpreet Kaur and Mehak Dahiya on their remarkable achievement, stating their success will inspire more young women from Punjab to pursue careers in the defence services.

Notably, the Punjab government has also established an NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls at Mai Bhago AFPI in July 2023, with the third batch currently undergoing training.

A new block, which has been named after Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, was inaugurated in November 2025.

Mai Bhago AFPI Director Major Gen Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (retd), expressed delight over the commissioning of the two alumni as Flying Officers, stating that this achievement will further energise the state government's efforts to encourage more girls to join the armed forces.

He extended his wishes to the newly commissioned women officers for a bright future in the Indian Air Force.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Heartiest congratulations to Flying Officers Charanpreet Kaur and Mehak Dahiya! Punjab has a proud martial tradition, and it's wonderful to see our young women carrying it forward into the modern Air Force. More power to them!
R
Rohit P
While this is a great achievement, I hope the system supports them fully throughout their careers. We often celebrate the entry, but the real test is retention and providing equal opportunities for command roles. Wishing them the very best.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows defence news, it's so encouraging to see these stories. The NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls is a game-changer. Well done to the Punjab government and the institute for this forward-thinking initiative.
K
Kavya N
Their parents must be bursting with pride! From Mohali to the Air Force Academy - what a journey. This proves that with the right training and determination, any girl from a small town can reach for the skies. Literally! ✈️
V
Vikram M
Naming the new block after Field Marshal Manekshaw is a fitting tribute. And to have women officers graduating from there continues his legacy of a strong, modern military. A proud moment for the entire nation.

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