Kol recalls date with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, face of India’s Sindoor response
Times of India | 9 May 2025
123456 Kolkata: While much of the country may have seen Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for the first time this week as she addressed the media during briefings on Operation Sindoor, Kolkata already had the privilege of meeting the decorated Indian Air Forcehelicopter pilot last month. Singh, 35, visited the city to participate in a panel discussion at Town Hall, where her charisma, confidence, and compelling personal journey left a lasting impression on all who heard her speak.At that April 12 event, hosted by Inner Wheel, an international women's organisation, Singh joined two other distinguished officers — Commodore Divya Gautam of the Indian Navy and Colonel Nisha R Kulhan of the Indian Army — for a powerful conversation on women's empowerment and the challenges women face in traditionally male-dominated spaces.Fast forward to this week, and Singh emerged as one of the faces of India's military response operation, appearing in back-to-back national press briefings alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and foreign secretary Vikram Misri.Operation Sindoor'Op Sindoor's precision & execution was unimaginable': Rajnath SinghOperation Sindoor: India repels drone, missile attack across LoCOperation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full listHer poised presence marked a rare and inspiring moment — two senior woman officers from the armed forces leading a high-profile national media briefing."When I saw her on TV briefing the nation, I was surprised, thrilled, and incredibly proud," said Sumita Roy, advisor to Inner Wheel in Bengal. "We had the honour of hosting her just weeks ago, and she left us all deeply inspired. I messaged her right away to say how proud all of us in Kolkata are of her achievement."During the Town Hall event, Singh spoke candidly about her journey and the inner strength that carried her through the ranks of one of the most demanding branches of the armed forces. "Women are mentally tougher and more consistent," she said during the panel discussion. "If we believe in our inner voice and power, no bias or hurdle can stop us."She reflected on her childhood, where she often gravitated toward challenges — especially those she was told not to take on. "Whenever someone said, ‘You're a girl, you can't do this,' I made it a point to prove them wrong," Singh had shared. "My family supported me. My father gifted me a football, skates, a cricket ball, and said, ‘Jaa beti, khel' (go play, daughter). And when I performed well, even the boys wanted me on their team. I realised early that performance is what counts. Not gender. It is about the skills you build, the training you undergo."That statement earned her immediate applause from the crowd. But Singh didn't just impress with her powerful words — she also charmed the audience with her down-to-earth demeanour and love for the city. She confessed her fondness for Kolkata's iconic sandesh and phuchka, and according to sources, made a special stop at the Mishti Hub in New Town before flying back to Delhi the next day."She stood out in the crowd as calm, composed, and undoubtedly the most fearless person there," said Seema Saproo, principal of The Heritage School and moderator of the event. "She spoke about constantly pushing herself, earning the prestigious Master Green rating, and leading a 28-day, two-aircraft mission in Arunachal Pradesh. She recovered men and materials from a snow-covered peak near the border where there was no ground fit for landing. It didn't surprise me at all to see her later leading a national briefing."Even off the stage, Singh's humility and approachability won hearts. "She called me exactly at 3.30 pm to say she was waiting at the gate," recalled Sharmila Bose, past president of the Inner Wheel Club, who coordinated Singh's visit. "We rushed out and found her standing there alone. No escort, no guards — she took a cab from Fort William nearby. I was awestruck. Here was an accomplished IAF helicopter pilot, arriving simply, humbly. I salute her."