Whenever I imagined an air force officer, I expected them to smart, talented with pride and ego. My first experience with an air force was different. She was bold, smart and talented. I can't say she was egoistic or proud. The best part was that she did not seem like someone, who would look down at anyone. I hope she stays the same. Her story was inspiring.
There are times, when we come up with excuses, why we can't do it? The truth is, we all can do. It does not matter, where we come from, but yes, our efforts, desires and destiny matters.
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| Reknuka Sharma |
Fighting against odds, 21-year-old Reknuka Sharma is among eight girls from all over India, who have been selected in the Indian Air Force for flying branch (pilot) training. Her chances of getting selected were slimmer than other applicants, because unlike others, she could not afford to go to training institutes.
Sharing her success mantra, Sharma quoted, “My father always said that we should work hard because that’s all we have got.”
She shared that her father Ramesh is a peon in a private organisation. “Though, my father did not study after class VII, he is the wisest person I know,” she said proudly.
She elaborated that her father encouraged her to study and supported her ambitions. “Dad told me to work hard and fulfil my dreams,” Sharma said.
Sharing her dreams, Sharma said, “I always wanted to fly and make every moment of my life special.” She learned about life in Air Force and she was determined to be an officer. “I can serve my country in the force, while living an adventurous life,” she added.
Talking about her struggle, Sharma shared, “Coming from Hindi medium school, switching over to English was tough.” She studied in Pragati HS Girls School till class X, and then switched over to Bal Vinay Mandir.
“I scored 86 per cent in class X, and by working hard I could score 85 per cent in class XII as well,” Sharma said. She completed her bachelor in Mathematics, while preparing for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
“I had to work hard on my communication skills, since I could barely speak a grammatically correct sentence in English even after my graduation,” Sharma shared. She elaborated that her classmates laughed at her, but she continued to try and finally, improved her communication skills.
“My father trusted me and supported my ambitions, and that’s all a girl needs,” she concluded.