Two Punjab Alumni Commissioned as Flying Officers in Indian Air Force

On December 13, two alumni from a Punjab government-run armed forces preparatory institute were commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). Charanpreet Kaur and Mehak Dahiya, both from SAS Nagar, Punjab, graduated from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.

They were among 244 cadets, including 215 males and 29 females, commissioned during a parade reviewed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Kaur was commissioned into the Administrative Branch, while Dahiya joined the Accounts Branch.

Punjab's Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Aman Arora stated that their success will inspire more young women to pursue careers in defense. The Punjab government established a NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls at Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in July 2023. Major General (retd) Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Director of the institute, emphasized that this achievement will encourage more girls to join the armed forces.