While many of us are staying at home to stop Coronavirus from spreading across the country, there are few brave souls who are putting their lives to risk to save the life of fellow countrymen.
One such brave soul is Captain Swati Rawal.
Recently Captain Swati Rawal along with Capt. Raja Chauhan airlifted 263 Indians stranded in the coronavirus hit Rome and displayed how true heroes respond to their call of duty during the tough times.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
The crew of @airindiain Boeing 777 led by Capt Swati Raval & Capt Raja Chauhan responded to the call of duty & displayed exemplary determination by airlifting 263 Indians, mostly students, stranded in Rome. pic.twitter.com/JfqC7kwmGG
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) March 22, 2020
Even the Prime Minister expressed his pride about the team showing ‘utmost courage’ and rising to the ‘call of humanity.’ He took to Twitter to express his feelings:
Extremely proud of this team of @airindiain, which has shown utmost courage and risen to the call of humanity. Their outstanding efforts are admired by several people across India. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/I7Czxep7bj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2020
It is very common to find our society cracking jokes about the supposedly poor driving skills of women. If a woman driver is involved in a vehicle accident they will smirk and say, “What else do you expect?”. But this patriarchal mindset didn’t deter Captain Swati Rawal from aspiring to become a pilot.
Recalling how she became commercial pilot, the Air-India pilot, Capt Swati Rawal shared in an interview with TOI:
“Actually I wanted to become a fighter pilot. But as women are not allowed to fly fighter planes, I became a commercial pilot. Fortunately for me, my family was supportive of my decision. Not many girls are fortunate to get family approval.”
This brave mother of a son, along with her crew members, was applauded by many netizens for risking their lives to save the lives of many other.
My kind of feminism. ????????
— Wasim (@TheBongHead) March 23, 2020
Capt. Swati Rawal ????????????
— JP ???????? (@JPulasaria) March 23, 2020
Sir,
Commendable job by your ministry, @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @PMOIndia @airindiain in safe return of our citizens
At the time of darkness, you people have brought hope to these people
Their happiness tell everything
JAI HIND????????????????
— °°••°°RUDRA°°••°° (@hemanth_v11) March 22, 2020
The commitment and compassion of Capt Swati Raval & Capt Raja Chauhan and the entire crew of @airindiain Boeing 777 is unmatched!
The families of the ones they flew and the entire nation owes them a great debt.
— Gautam Chintamani (@GChintamani) March 22, 2020
Please pass on our love, respect and humble wishes to the crew sir.
— Dharmarajan (@iamdharmarajan2) March 23, 2020
Extremely proud of this team of @airindiain, which has shown utmost courage and risen to the call of humanity. Their outstanding efforts are admired by several people across India. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/I7Czxep7bj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2020
Sadly, when Air India performed similar rescue operations in Wuhan, Milan and Japan, many of the crew members were ostracised by society. This happened as soon as they returned from these countries. It is heartbreaking to see how these brave souls, who are risking their lives are being ill-treated rather than being celebrated.
At IFORHER, we are in awe of these inspiring souls who have shown us how true heroes act during testing times.