IAF Success Story: “Go, Daughter, Play…”—Father’s Words Inspire Wing Commander Vyomika Singh to Reach New Heights

Some people often tell girls what they cannot do, but Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and her father have proven them wrong. Her inspiring journey in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has become a beacon of motivation for daughters across the country.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Strength on Display
During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the world witnessed India’s military strength. From land to sky, Indian forces delivered a decisive response to the Pahalgam attack. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confidently represented the IAF during media briefings, exemplifying courage and leadership. Her success story has inspired many, but Vyomika credits her father for being her greatest motivator.

“Go, Daughter, Play…”
In a candid interview, Vyomika shared, “My father gifted me a football, a cricket ball, and skates, saying, ‘Go, daughter, play.’ These words completely changed my life. Whenever anyone said, ‘You are a girl; you can’t do this,’ I was determined to prove them wrong.”

Destined to Touch the Sky
A school teacher once wrote in her notebook, “You are meant to touch the sky.” This comment planted the seed for Vyomika’s dream of becoming a pilot. Her name itself means “Mistress of the Sky.” From a young age, she actively participated in sports, debates, and other school activities, consistently standing out as a top student.

Journey to the Indian Air Force
After completing school in 1998, Vyomika pursued a BTech in Environmental Engineering from Delhi College of Engineering. However, her ultimate dream was to fly. She cleared the UPSC exam and, on 18 December 2004, was commissioned into the 21st Short Service Commission. She rose to the rank of Wing Commander by 2017, received a permanent commission in 2019, and was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in 2024.

Soaring Over Challenging Terrains
Vyomika has logged over 2,500 flight hours in difficult terrains across Jammu & Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, flying helicopters such as Cheetah and Chetak. She has led numerous critical rescue and relief missions. In 2021, she participated in the Women Tri-Service Mountaineering Expedition on Mount Manirang (21,630 feet) in Himachal Pradesh.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s story is a shining example of courage, determination, and breaking gender barriers—proving that with support, skill, and willpower, the sky is never the limit.