Meet Armish Asija, First Flying Officer In IAF From Punjab's Fazilka

Dr Armish Asija from Fazilka, Punjab, made history as the first flying officer from the Indian Air Force in the district. She led her company contingent during the 58th passing-out parade of the commissioning ceremony held on April 25. A passionate doctor in the armed forces, the 23-year-old is a graduate of the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. Her remarkable dedication and academic excellence made her one of the youngest officers in the IAF to achieve this feat.

Asija is the first individual from her family to join the armed forces. She not only brought pride to her family but also to the entire Fazilka district. Her journey is a testament to the resilient spirit of women in the armed forces. She is an inspiration to individuals, pushing them to dream big and chase their goals. 

Armish Asija's Journey

Armish Asija secured the fifth rank in MBBS in her class of 150 at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. Asija was one of the only 30 women in her class. Speaking to Indian Express, she expressed, “I think now is the time when our society is under a very positive transitional phase for women. We have to give our 100 per cent to consolidate and secure our space as women."

Asija is the first flying officer from the Fazilka district and one of India's youngest women to achieve this. The 23-year-old led her company contingent during the passing-out ceremony on April 25. Talking about her achievement, she said, "It doesn’t matter if you are in Delhi or Fazilka, what one has to achieve, can be done from anywhere."

Asija's big family including her grandmothers from the paternal and maternal sides of her family had come down to Pune to celebrate her graduation. "I was lucky that my family was so supportive. In fact, in situations where I felt a little doubtful, they would tell me to go ahead without any worries," she expressed. 

Asija's mother Sonika Asija is the head of the department of chemistry at Hisar's Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology. Her father Mandeep Asija is an environmental engineer. She said, "Since childhood, I saw that there was immense respect for the armed forces at my home and that’s what made me realize that this job was different from everything else.”