It took resilience and much more to touch the sky wearing heels for Captain Priya Jain.
The moment she saw the Maharaja mannequin at the airport, she ran to hug it and gave a peck on his cheeks. She was traveling to Kathmandu with her parents at the age of 3 when she had the first glance of Maharaja. Since then, Air India was her first love, and the childhood darling was Maharaja. The weaving of astonishing dream had begun.
God’s Conspiracy
It is said that if you wish for something with all your heart and soul, the universe conspires to make it true. This saying fits best Captain Priya Jian. How terrible it might have felt when she ended up applying baggage stickers while the only thing she dreamt of was flying.
She prepared all her life to become a pilot, however, life took a brief detour for her. She joined Indigo airlines as a Customer Service officer. The uniform that she wore as a cabin crew felt real misfit on her. She could not resonate with the role that she had taken up as her aspirations were different. In that blue uniform, bun and grey heels, she kept searching for her wings. She had her sky waiting.
The invisible bruises
The unfulfilled dreams and desires kill us slowly. Priya could feel the invisible bruises all over her soul, painful enough to make her restless. On top of everything, she was sharing the space where she could see others doing what she lived to do all her life, flying.
‘HE’ was listening
Finally, she was put back on the runway to reach her destination that she adored. The airlines she joined as cabin crew, gave her an opportunity after a year when there was a vacancy for pilot. It is a staff welfare policy at Indigo that they fill in the position internally, if they have efficient and eligible people.
Cockpit, the ultimate destination
Moist eyes, a lot of excitement, overwhelming is a word smaller to describe her emotion when she entered the cockpit. Her delighted heart was pounding while landing. The view was splendid, the runway magnificent and she was about to drop the national carrier, the pride was different feeling. A moment she could die for.
Now she was the first officer and she received her first flight plan. She was supposed to fly from Mumbai to Indore. Indore, for her it was the real city of Joy. Same was her destination as the first flight during her pilot training on Cessna 152 A with Yash Air at Ujjain.
After 10 years, she was supposed to land at the same Airport as first officer. Life was completing its circle in due course of time.
She owes it all to her ‘Papa’, the pillar of strength
When everyone said, “you should not” papa said, “You must”. When everyone expressed doubts, he said “go on, you will achieve”. When even I started questioning myself, he was standing just next to me affirming that I will make through it.
Papa’s was an unconditional love. He had nothing to expect only to give in my journey of self-doubt. He always says, “If you become nothing, still be a good human being”. Maybe he wanted to turn down the bitterness, if I acquired some in tough times.
To the readers
“Keep the hopes alive and trust the process. Rest do what maximum you can to get where you want to be. Honest efforts and consistency will certainly light your way towards achieving the goals you have for yourself” says Captain Priya Jain. Keep the fire lit and see you have got your wings in place. Listen to the noise in your head, the instincts and make your choices. If I could, you too will. The universe is watching us all is her message to the readers.
The flight took off and landed at the destination after a brief detour for Captain Priya Jain.
About Storyofsouls
Leave your comments on how did you like this story. If you love it, share it to bring that change we wish to see in the world.
You can also share your inspiring story with us at replytosos@gmail.com. Story Of Souls is an initiative where we invite people to bring their stories to us. We want people to “write to heal.” The idea of Storyofsouls is appreciated by ALL INDIA RADIO. An Online Platform where you can share your real-life stories. The impact of our stories has reached the UN, and Harvard University. For some real-life stories, web series are also planned. You can also visit our Youtube channel. You can follow us on Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
Storyofsouls is glad to inform you that we are now a Google news-verified platform.
We are proud to inform you all that storyofsouls.com is the official TedX MotiJheel Kanpur Partner for their upcoming event.
