Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 20

A 21-year-old girl from Punjab passed out as a Flying Officer from the Indian Air Force Academy, Hyderabad. Tabassum Khan, a resident of Bathinda, also topped the transport flying branch (men and women) at the academy in the order of merit.

Educated from Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in Sector 66, Mohali, Tabassum today visited her institute directly after arriving at the international airport here. Her parents, Abub Shah and Shamshad, reached the airport from Bathinda to receive their daughter.

Major General IP Singh (retd), the director of the institute, along with other staff members, welcomed Tabassum and her parents and celebrated her achievement by cutting a cake. Tabassum later met hostel students and shared her happiness with them.

Talking to The Tribune, Tabassum said after completing her three-year course from Mohali, she was selected in the Hyderabad academy in 2019 as Lady Cadet. After completing her training of 18 months there, she became a Flying Officer.

“I am all set to serve the nation and look forward to my upcoming training sessions and opportunities,” said Tabassum.

Tabassum’s father, Abub Shah, said: “This is a proud moment for our family. Girls in our country are hardworking than boys.”

Major General IP Singh (retd) said: “We are proud of Tabassum. She is an inspiration for other lady cadets. I am sure we will have many more similar results. I wish Tabassum many more successes in her flying career as an officer of the Indian Air Force.”