Meet Aanchal Gangwal, An Airforce Officer And The Daughter Of A Tea Seller From Madhya Pradesh
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Not all of us are fortunate enough to be born in a position of privilege and good financial stability. There are so many Indians across the country who struggle and work themselves to the bone in order to get anywhere in life. Like many young Indian women, Aanchal Gangwal, a 24-year-old from Neemuch District, too aspired to aim for the skies. She was recently awarded the President’s Plaque at her graduation and joined a team of 123 flight cadets to be commissioned as officers of the India Air Force. So, how did a little girl from a small district in Madhya Pradesh manage to scale these heights? Well, she has her encouraging and supportive father to thank. Here’s the story of this inspiring young woman and a father who would do whatever it takes to help his children achieve the world:
Humble Beginnings
Aanchal’s incredible father, Suresh Gangwal is selling tea at a bus stop in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh for 25 years. Her proud father spoke to a newspaper about how his daughter aspired to join the defense forces after she witnessed the courage of the Indian Air Force when the state was hit by the 2013 Kedarnath floods. The flood was devastating on the district and claimed nearly 200 lives.
Aanchal was inspired to dedicate her services to the Indian army despite knowing that the journey would be extremely challenging. The young girl had the complete support of her loving parents and although there were times when they couldn’t even afford the fees, they persevered. Her father said, “She was a bright student and also a basketball player. She first wished to join the Air Force after seeing the IAF personnel helping people during the Kedarnath tragedy. And, now her dream has come true.”
Touching The Skies With Glory
Yes, just as the Indian Air Force’s motto states, Aanchal too aimed to make her family and country proud by joining the Air Force. Her father spoke about how after the Kedarnath tragedy, she started going to libraries and reading up on the defense force. Despite five unsuccessful attempts, Aanchal managed to crack through on her sixth try and family couldn’t be happier.
Her father only had the opportunity to study till the 10th grade and knew that he wanted a better life for his children. He spoke about how difficult it was to come up with the fees during rough times and how he would have to borrow money to make sure she got to attend her classes.
Coronavirus Concerns
Unfortunately, like many proud parents, Aanchal’s parents too were unable to attend their daughter’s graduation ceremony due to concerns surrounding the COVID pandemic. As social distancing has been made mandatory in our country, many graduations and ceremonies have to be attended virtually. Aanchal’s parents too got to watch her graduate via television.
When asked about her graduation, Aanchal’s father said, “Her commissioning was a proud moment for our family, but we could not make it (to the Air Force Academy at Dundigal) to see her due to the coronavirus-induced restrictions.”
A Dream Come True
For Aanchal, this was a dream come true. She spoke about how it felt surreal to be standing at her graduation in uniform. She added that she dreamed about standing in front of her parents in uniform when she graduated but was not possible due to the ongoing pandemic. She believed that they deserved to see her graduate because they had struggled for so many years just to help her realize her dreams. She added that she was grateful her parents could watch her ceremony on television, however.
She also stated that her being a girl never came in between her dreams and her parents’ views. Aanchal had said, “When I told my parents that I want to be in defense, 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.” Sadly, it will be some time before Aanchal and her parents are reunited as she has been called to duty. The IAF officer is expected to report to her next unit immediately after the ceremony ends. She said she would have it no other way, however, as she is proud to serve her motherland.
Before Aanchal decided to join the defense force she worked as a sub-inspector for the Madhya Pradesh Police Department and Labor Departments for 8 months. She graduated from Sitaram Jaju Government Girls College in Neemuch, MP with a degree in Computer Science. This inspiring story shows us how women can reach such extreme heights with the love and support of their parents. Do tell us what you think of this inspiring story in the comment section below.
