Tea Seller’s Daughter Becomes Indian Air Force Officer After Topping The Academy

In 2018, Aanchal Gangwal, the daughter of a tea seller based in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, overcame all odds to get selected for training in the flying branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This Saturday, she graduated as a flying officer and was honoured with the President’s Plaque at the combined graduation parade held at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.

Aanchal Gangwal proved her mettle at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, was awarded the President’s Plaque at the combined graduation parade, that saw 123 flight cadets commissioned as officers of the Indian Air Force.@IAF_MCC @XpressHyderabad https://t.co/drobReESU9

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) June 21, 2020

A tea seller’s daughter’s achievement.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria presented the “President’s Plaque” to Flying Officer #AanchalGangwal for being first in overall order of merit in Ground Duty branches at the CGP at AFA, Dundigal.#prideofindia pic.twitter.com/137nDE5Ddp

— Monali Buch Mankad (@Monali2177) June 21, 2020

The New Indian Express quoted her saying,

“When I was a school kid, I had decided to be in the defence. Today as I become an officer, it still feels surreal. It is a dream come true. I used to dream of this day almost every night. To stand in my uniform, in front of my father and mother, who have fought all the difficulties in their lives to get me here. However, due to Covid-19 that could not happen. But I am happy that they could see the ceremony on television.”

“When I told my parents that I want to be in defence, they were a little worried like any parent. But they never tried to stop me. In fact, they have always been the pillars of my life.”

Flying officer Aanchal Gangwal, daughter of a tea seller becomes an Air Force officer ⚔️🇮🇳❤️⁣ pic.twitter.com/i9XEkMiSUZ

— SSBCrack (@SSBCrack) June 21, 2020

The Times of India quoted her father Suresh Gangwal (owner of Namdeo tea stall) saying,

“I took a loan to get my daughter enrolled in a coaching institute in Indore while also supporting son’s engineering studies. Even in today’s world, we see that there is still discrimination between a girl and boy and people choose to educate their sons over their daughters but we never thought that way.”

He added, “This is the best gift that any father in the world can ever get from his daughter. My daughter has always made me proud.”

The newly commissioned IAF officer will now serve the country instead of taking a break and going home. Kudos, for being such an inspiration to us all!

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