In a world where dreams are often confined by societal norms, Anny Divya defied the odds and soared to new heights, quite literally! Born in Pathankot and brought up in Vijayawada, Divya’s story goes beyond flying planes and dives into breaking barriers. From being told she couldn't dream too big to become one of the youngest female commanders of the Boeing 777, Divya's tale is full of passion and dedication.
"I came from a place where girls were not allowed to dream too big."
Divya was an average student until class 11th when she learned that scoring above 90% was essential for pursuing her dream. Determined to break barriers, she rose to the challenge and scored an impressive 100% in most subjects that year. Her dreams were clear, but the path forward wasn't easy. Her family didn't have the financial means to support her. But her father, without any second thoughts, took a loan to fund her flying school fees. This is when her real journey began.
“I was ragged from day one– usually for my pronunciation and for not being like them.”
Coming from a small town and lacking that command of English, Divya faced challenges from the very first day. She was different from her peers and wasn’t appreciated for that. Rather, she was called out or ragged regularly. Although it wasn't easy, Divya chose to not let people push her down and stand up and face her fears. Working extra hard, she dedicated herself to improving her skills and enhancing her abilities. She even stayed back during the holidays. Her hard work paid off and she earned a scholarship towards the end of her training.
“Today, I am among the youngest female commanders of the B777 anywhere in the world and certainly in India.”
Today, she stands proudly as one of the youngest female commanders of the Boeing 777 not just in India but across the globe. Divya’s journey, filled with ups and downs, exudes the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief. It is a reminder that dreams are not confined by societal expectations or financial limitations. Her story is more than just about flying planes, it's about breaking stereotypes and daring to dream against all odds.
From a small town to the commanding heights of aviation, her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the belief that dreams are worth pursuing, no matter where you come from or what challenges you face. So, let's take inspiration from Divya's flight, and remember, you are worth every dream you dare to chase.
*This article is published in collaboration with L'Oréal Paris*