The notion that the sky aligns with aspirations is exemplified in the story of Syeda from Hyderabad. A decade ago, with unwavering confidence, she declared her ambition to become a pilot at an event. Despite scepticism due to her father’s bakery job, her resolute determination proved that a person can achieve anything.
Syeda Salwa Fatima, who wears a hijab, stands out as one of merely four Muslim women in India with a commercial pilot’s license, poised to enter the aviation industry. Her journey involved multi-engine training in New Zealand and acquiring a relevant rating in Bahrain. Upon approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, she will be eligible to operate an Airbus 320. Despite numerous challenges, Syeda Salwa Fatima persevered to realise her life’s ambition.
In New Zealand, she logged 15 hours flying multi-engine aircraft and pursued type-rating training at the Gulf Aviation Academy in Bahrain. Additionally, she dedicated 52 hours to multi-function display training and 62 hours to motion simulator training, providing a realistic experience akin to piloting an actual aircraft.
When questioned about her aspirations during an engineering entrance exam coaching class, she boldly declared her desire to become a pilot. Zahid Ali, Siasat’s editor, posed this question in the presence of friends and comedians, guiding Syeda to pursue her dream and securing her admission to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Academy in 2007. Despite facing challenges, including failing the navigation exam three times, Syeda persisted with Zahid sir’s encouragement. After five years of dedication, she completed her education, accumulating 200 hours of experience flying a Cessna 152 and 123 hours of solo flying.
Syeda Salwa Fatima suggests that in any field, be it tourism or otherwise, it’s ultimately your education and abilities that define your success. The key is to demonstrate your capability.
Muslims in Hyderabad and across India face educational disparities, with a particular challenge for Muslim women who exhibit lower literacy rates and employability compared to their counterparts. A 2013 draft report from the Union Ministry of Human Resources and Development revealed that only 11 out of 100 Muslims in India pursue higher education, highlighting the need for efforts to address these educational gaps within the community.
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