The moment pandemic set in, there was an instant rush and anxiety among Indians settling abroad to travel back to the country; especially for those settled in China. The government initiated the "Vande Bharat" mission to evacuate Indians from various countries in the world. This mission demanded courage and support from pilots flying the aircrafts. One such daunting woman pilot is Laxmi Joshi, who willingly volunteered to fly and rescue Indians stranded in China.
Immense contribution of Laxmi Joshi
The Vande Bharat mission started in May 2020 and Laxmi Joshi was a part of it, evacuating Indians from China and other countries. The Indians were stranded due to the restrictions that were introduced for the COVID-19 anxieties. Even though her parents were worried, she convinced them about how important the mission was. Her parents had reluctantly agreed and she went on for it.
In an interview as highlighted in the latest reports, she always wanted to do more than just travel. So the moment she received the opportunity to fly abroad and help in rescuing the stranded Indians, she took it up voluntarily. In a month, she flew 3 flights during the pandemic for rescuing Indians.
Zeal to fly from childhood
Ms Joshi first sat in an aeroplane when she was just eight years old. Her zeal to fly and to be a pilot was triggered from then onwards. She adopted all attempts to fulfil her dream.
She stated that her father had to take a loan so she could complete the training for a pilot. Her father had told her, "Go for it, beta. The sky's the limit!" And then after two years, she received her pilot license. Soon after she got a job with Air India; thereafter started her journey of a pilot.
How was her rescue mission experience at China?
Ms Joshi first flew to Shanghai in China as part of the Vande Bharat rescue mission. In the interview, she stated, "China being the hot spot of Covid, everyone was distressed. Our aim was to bring back all the Indians stuck there. We all wore hazmat suits through the course of the flight, I flew the flight wearing one".
Though there were anxieties, the destination being China. Yet the moment the crew landed in China, the passengers gave a standing ovation to all. Ms Joshi recalled an incident, " One little girl came up to me and said, 'I want to be like you!' And I told her what Papa told me, 'The sky's the limit!'"
She further went for three more rescue missions in a month. It was a tough job, wearing a hazmat suit and operating an aeroplane. Also the flights were long, but her dedication kept her motivated to fly more. She stated, "Once, I even flew to bring medical aid to India. That was the strangest flight - instead of passengers, we travelled with hundreds of carton boxes".
A Pride of India
Comments had poured in from Indians all around the country and abroad, indebted and in praise for Laxmi Joshi's valiant contribution for the mission. Her selfless service for the nation is inspirational. As she continues to be part of the mission, let's shower our best wishes for her fearless courage and zeal.
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