A tribal woman from Odisha’s Maoist-hit Malkangiri district scripted a new success story for herself as she went on to become the first female pilot from the region. She is only 23 years old and her dream was to touch the pinnacle of success i.e. sky and her dream became a reality now after she quit engineering midway and joined an aviation academy in 2012.
The woman hails from a tribal-dominated district and is all geared up to join a private airline as a co-pilot. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also congratulated Lakra on her epic success.
“I am happy to learn about the success of Anupriya Lakra. The success achieved by her through dedicated efforts and perseverance is an example for many,” Patnaik tweeted, wishing Anupriya much more achievements as an able pilot.
She is the daughter of Mariniyas Lakra, who is a havildar in Odisha Police and Jamaj Yashmin Lakra, a housewife. Anupriya did her matriculation from a convent in Malkangiri and then higher secondary school in Semiliguda.
With an ultimate passion of becoming a pilot, she even made a bold move by quitting her engineering studies in Bhubaneswar mid-way only to prepare for pilot entrance test in Bhubaneswar, her father added.
Now Anupriya did her parents proud as her dream has now become a reality. “We are very happy that her dream of becoming a pilot has now become a reality. She will be working as a co-pilot in a private airline,” Mariniyas added.
After being selected, she will be working as a co-pilot in a private airline and is expected to fly abroad shortly.
“It is a big achievement for somebody from a backward district like Malkangiri. Her success has come after seven years of hard work,” her father said.
Her mother also added, “I am very happy. It is a matter of pride for the people of Malkangiri. Her success will inspire other girls.”
More power to you! Anupriya Lakra!