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Apart from that, all families should have an intention <strong>to</strong>wards upgradation of life which is a prime<br />
requirement, this initiative comes only from a happy <strong>and</strong> healthy family.<br />
Every family may have an aim <strong>to</strong> excel but some time situation <strong>and</strong> time do not permit them <strong>to</strong><br />
fulfil. In that case, it will be better <strong>to</strong> be proactive in utilisation of available opportunities for betterment.<br />
Finally, its all about excelling in life <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> get there , the best <strong>to</strong>ol we have is <strong>to</strong> be optimistic!<br />
Wings of Angels<br />
Moumita B<strong>and</strong>yopadhyay<br />
W/o D B<strong>and</strong>yopadhyay U/Adh(AH)<br />
ICGS Ratnagiri<br />
Just like any hot summer day, 30 th April 2012, was no different. It started with the usual hustle<br />
<strong>and</strong> bustle <strong>to</strong> reach the morning briefing on time <strong>and</strong> also reach the breakfast table before its <strong>to</strong>o<br />
late…<br />
Little did I know what this day had in s<strong>to</strong>re for me.<br />
Asst Comdt Akshi as pilot in comm<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> self as copilot<br />
created his<strong>to</strong>ry in maritime reconnaissance (MR) by flying<br />
an operational sortie, the first ever lady crew in <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Coast</strong><br />
<strong>Guard</strong> <strong>to</strong> do so.<br />
I was indeed elated at the prospect of flying that day.<br />
The entire sortie went uneventful, just like any other MR sortie where we would be searching for<br />
poachers. It was during the return leg where our grit, determination, knowledge, skill <strong>and</strong> crew coordination<br />
was put <strong>to</strong> test. We encountered spells of rain enroute <strong>to</strong> base with clouding <strong>and</strong> low<br />
visibility. However, we managed <strong>to</strong> fly past the obstacles <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong> back safely where our Comm<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
Officer, Comdt Sunil Kumar was waiting for us at the dispersal <strong>to</strong> congratulate us! A very warm<br />
gesture indeed.<br />
There are no words that can describe how happy <strong>and</strong> proud my parents had been hearing this<br />
news. Afterall, being the daughter of a Guiness World Record holder, Mrs Leema Patel (mother) in<br />
1986, by being the first lady <strong>to</strong> cycle up<strong>to</strong> Khardung-La, which is the highest mo<strong>to</strong>rable road in the<br />
world. I can say with pride, the his<strong>to</strong>ry of firsts is hereby continued in our family once again.<br />
I heartily thank the <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>Guard</strong> <strong>to</strong> have given me this amazing opportunity <strong>and</strong> cementing<br />
the fact that our country is progressing h<strong>and</strong> in h<strong>and</strong> with other nations in terms of excellence of<br />
women in defence services.<br />
Asst Comdt Reema Patel<br />
Staff Pilot, 745 Sqn (PB)<br />
49
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