“I am the first one in my family to join the defence services.” Armish Asija, a native of Fazilka, Punjab, has etched her name in history as the first Flying Officer from the Indian Air Force (IAF). Here’s everything that you need to know about her.

Armish Asija scripted history as the first flying officer in the Punjab district. The 23-year-old’s remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment have made her one of the youngest officers in the IAF (Indian Air Force) to achieve this feat. The trailblazer expressed her winning moment and how she felt, “I am the first one in my family to join the defence services, so my entire family was excited to see my passing out parade. My grandmothers, both paternal and maternal, attended the ceremony. 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.”.

Hailing from the border town of Fazilka in Punjab, Armish’s family takes immense pride in her achievement. She is the first in her family to join the defence services, breaking new ground for generations to come. She pursued her MBBS degree at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune where she excelled academically. She secured fifth rank among her batch of 150 students, earning her a coveted place in the IAF as a flying officer. Out of these 150 seats, only 30 are reserved for women.

Fazilka’s Armish Asija Becomes First Flying Officer in IAF

Armish Asija with her family

Armish’s passing out parade was an emotional moment for her family. Both her paternal and maternal grandmothers attended the ceremony in Pune. Her father, Mahdeep Asija, is an environmental engineer, and her mother, Dr Sonika Asija, heads the chemistry department at the Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology in Hisar.

Alongside, her medical studies, Amrish actively participated in various sports and activities. Her exposure to the military environment contributed to her excellence in basketball and roller skating, keeping her both mentally and physically fit. She proudly flaunts her identity as someone from Fazilka. She believes that achievements can be realised from anywhere, whether in Delhi or Fazilka. Her family’s unwavering support encouraged her to pursue her dreams

Dr Armish Asija’s journey exemplifies courage, determination and inspiration for aspiring young women across the country. She said that, “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.”