‘First in family to join defence services’: Woman from Punjab’s border town Fazilka commissioned as flying officer in IAF

It was an emotional moment for Armish, as her family reached Pune to attend her passing out parade.

It was an emotional moment for Armish, as her family reached Pune to attend her passing out parade. (Express Photo)

“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 armed forces at my home and that’s what made me realize that this job was different from everything else,” says Armish.

Her father Mandeep Asija is an environmental engineer, while mother Dr Sonika Asija is the head of department for chemistry at Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar. Armish had cleared her 12th from National Public School, Delhi, where she had moved for better exposure and preparation for medical sciences. Her grandfather, the late Resham Lal Asija was a retired postmaster based in Fazilka.

Armish says being from Fazilka is an identity she flaunts with pride. “It doesn’t matter if you are in Delhi or Fazilka, what one has to achieve, can be done from anywhere. I was lucky that my family was so supportive. In fact, in situations where I felt a little doubtful, they would tell me to go ahead without any worries,” she says.

Armish had cleared her 12th from National Public School, Delhi, where she had moved for better exposure and preparation for medical sciences. (Express Photo)

Armish, who also had a chance to delve into several other sports and activities while pursuing MBBS, says that fauji exposure also made her excel in basketball and roller skating, making her fit both mentally and physically.

“The difference is that while other medical colleges only teach you the course, here our physical and mental fitness is also strengthened to face any hardships ahead if posted in conflict areas,” she says.

“I think 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,” she says.