New Delhi: Discovery Channel will give an all-access pass to the viewers to delve deep into the lives of India’s first generation of female combat aircraft pilots with its new series– Women Fighter Pilots. It is a fascinating story of 3 women – Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh- pioneers of our time, fighting the odds and changing mindsets.
The 2-part series premiers August 24 at 21:00 hrs on Discovery Channel and Discovery World HD. Veer by Discovery, India’s leading dedicated military channel on YouTube, will also showcase short stories on Women Fighter Pilots. The on-air broadcast of the show is Co-Presented by Flipkart while Kirloskar and Airtel have come on board as Co Powered by Sponsors.
Till 2015, the flight cadets of the Air Force Academy were given a choice between three flying streams – Helicopters, Transport and Fighters. Fighter flying being the only stream reserved for men. Then, the Indian Air Force made a landmark decision to open the fighter flying program for its female cadets on an experimental basis for a period of five years. Creating history, the first batch of three women fighter pilots — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh were inducted in Indian Air Force fighter squadron. A significant milestone for the Indian Air Force, as this marked the first time it permitted women in combat roles.
“The women fighters have become a modern symbol of women empowerment – they have broken the last of all barriers by becoming a fighter pilot. We are excited to showcase this amazing story to our viewers. Such purpose led content excites us,” said, Zulfia Waris, Vice President – Premium & Digital Networks, Discovery Communications India. “These Women Fighter Pilots have given wings to the ambitions of Indian Women who want to don the G-Suit and defend the country as a part of Indian Air Force. We have explored this captivating human story of ambition, of not saying no, in a manner that has not been done before.”
The Women Fighter Pilot series captures the emotions of the 3 pilots, their families, colleagues in their squadron et al to delayer all aspects of their life. During the show, the 3 Fighter Pilots discuss about whether the media glare that followed them has created extra pressure.
The telecast of a special series on Women Fighter Pilots follows the successful premier of the Breaking Point series on Air Force Academy and Indian Submariners earlier this year.
