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Introduction
In the annals of India’s military history, few names resonate with the same vigor and inspiration as Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. A decorated helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Vyomika has not only soared through the skies but also etched her name in the hearts of millions through her pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, a precision strike against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025. Yet, beyond the uniform and the headlines lies a deeply personal story—one of a daughter whose dreams took flight, fueled by determination, and whose success has filled her parents, RS Nim and Karuna Singh, with immeasurable pride. This article delves into Vyomika’s journey, her unheard anecdotes, and the emotional tapestry of her family’s support, weaving together the threads of courage, sacrifice, and love that define her legacy.
A Name Destined for the Skies
Vyomika, a name meaning “daughter of the sky,” was perhaps a prophecy in itself. Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Vyomika’s fascination with the skies began in her childhood. Her parents recount a charming anecdote from when she was in Class 6, around 1991 or 1992, during a classroom discussion about the meaning of names. When Vyomika shared that “Vyom” means sky, a classmate playfully exclaimed, “So you own the sky!” The words struck a chord, planting the seed of a dream that would guide her life. “That was the moment,” her father, RS Nim, recalls with a smile, “when she came home and declared she wanted to be a pilot. We thought it was a child’s fancy, but her eyes told a different story.”
This anecdote, shared by Vyomika herself during a 2023 panel discussion, underscores the serendipity of her journey. Her mother, Karuna Singh, adds, “She was always curious, always looking up at the planes flying over our house. We didn’t realize then that she was mapping her future in those moments.” The name Vyomika became more than a label; it was a calling, one that her parents nurtured, even when the path seemed daunting.
The Secret Application: A Daughter’s Determination
One of the most endearing stories from Vyomika’s journey is her secretive application to the Indian Air Force. As a teenager, Vyomika was deeply involved in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which fueled her passion for aviation. However, she knew her parents, particularly her mother, might worry about the risks of a military career, especially for a woman in the early 2000s when female officers in the IAF were rare. “She didn’t tell me she was applying,” Karuna reveals in an exclusive interview with India Today. “She was afraid I’d stop her, saying it’s too dangerous. But when she got selected, she came to me with the letter, her eyes shining, and said, ‘Mummy, don’t worry, I’ll make you proud.’”
This clandestine move was not born of rebellion but of a deep desire to protect her parents’ emotions while pursuing her dream. RS Nim chuckles as he recalls the moment: “I was stunned, but also proud. She had taken such a big step on her own, with no family background in the military. It showed her courage, not just in the skies but in life.” This anecdote, shared widely in media, paints Vyomika as a determined young woman who balanced respect for her family with an unwavering commitment to her goals.
From Classroom to Cockpit: The Academic Foundation
Vyomika’s path to the IAF was paved with academic rigor. She pursued an engineering degree, a choice that equipped her with the technical acumen needed for aviation. Her parents describe her as a diligent student, excelling not only in academics but also in extracurriculars like basketball and debates. Her Hindi teacher, Neelam Wasan, wrote in her autograph book, “Vyom ko chune ke liye bani ho” (You were born to touch the skies), a prophetic note that Vyomika fondly recalled at a school alumni meet.
Her classmate Shalini Raman Parakkat shares another anecdote: “Vyomika was fearless, even as a teenager. Once, on a bus in Delhi, a man was harassing her. Instead of staying quiet, she turned around and confronted him loudly, shocking everyone. She was shaken but not scared. That was Vyomika—bold and unyielding.” This story, recounted in The Indian Express, highlights the courage that would later define her military career.
Her engineering background and NCC experience culminated in her commissioning into the IAF on December 18, 2004, as part of the 21st Short Service Commission (Women) Flying Pilot Course. She was granted a permanent commission in 2019, a milestone for women in the IAF. Her parents’ pride swelled as they watched her don the uniform, a symbol of her breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
Soaring Through Challenges: Vyomika’s IAF Journey
As a helicopter pilot, Vyomika has logged over 2,500 flying hours, mastering Chetak and Cheetah helicopters in some of India’s most challenging terrains, from the high-altitude sectors of Jammu and Kashmir to the dense Northeast. Her expertise extends beyond combat missions to rescue operations, including a notable 2020 mission in Arunachal Pradesh, where she evacuated civilians under extreme weather conditions. “She told us about flying through storms, making split-second decisions,” RS Nim says, his voice tinged with awe. “We worried, but she always said, ‘This is what I was born to do.’”
In 2021, Vyomika was part of an all-women tri-services mountaineering expedition to Mt. Manirang, a 21,650-foot peak in Himachal Pradesh. Her leadership and resilience earned praise from the Chief of Air Staff. Karuna shares a lesser-known story from this expedition: “Vyomika called us from base camp, describing the cold and the climb. She laughed about how her team teased her for packing extra chocolates to share. That’s her—she’s tough but always caring.” This anecdote, not widely reported, reveals Vyomika’s camaraderie and humanity, traits that endear her to colleagues and family alike.
Her elevation to Wing Commander in 2017 was a moment of celebration for her family. “We threw a small party at home,” RS Nim recalls. “Vyomika insisted on cutting the cake with us, saying we were her biggest strength. But we knew it was her hard work that got her there.” This moment, filled with familial warmth, underscores the reciprocal pride between Vyomika and her parents.
Operation Sindoor: A National Spotlight
On May 7, 2025, Vyomika stepped into the national spotlight as one of two women officers, alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi, chosen to brief the media on Operation Sindoor. The operation, a retaliatory strike against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam massacre, showcased India’s military precision and resolve. Vyomika’s role in the briefing, delivering details in English with poise and clarity, was historic, marking a new era for women in military communications.
Her parents watched the press conference from their home in Lucknow, their hearts swelling with pride. “We couldn’t believe it was our Vyomika on TV, speaking to the world,” Karuna says, her eyes glistening. “She looked so confident, so strong. We kept replaying the video, showing it to neighbors and relatives.” RS Nim adds, “She didn’t just represent the IAF; she represented every parent’s dream of seeing their child achieve greatness.”
An unheard anecdote from the briefing day reveals Vyomika’s humility. After the press conference, she called her parents, not to boast about her role but to ask, “Did I do okay? Were you proud?” Her mother laughs, “We told her, ‘Vyomika, the whole country is proud!’ But she’s always been like that—checking on us, making sure we’re happy.” This story, shared in a Dilli Tak interview, highlights Vyomika’s grounded nature despite her soaring achievements.
A Family’s Military Legacy
Vyomika’s family is steeped in military tradition, particularly through her marriage to Dinesh Sabharwal, an IAF pilot from Bapora village in Bhiwani, Haryana. Bapora, also the ancestral village of former Army Chief General VK Singh, has nearly ten family members who have served in the armed forces. “When Vyomika became our bahu, we knew she was special,” Dinesh’s mother says in a Tribune interview. “Seeing her lead the Operation Sindoor briefing, our village celebrated like it was a festival.”
Her parents-in-law share a touching story about Vyomika’s first visit to Bapora after her marriage. “She arrived in her uniform, and the village children gathered around, asking her about flying. She spent hours answering their questions, even drawing a helicopter on paper for them. That’s when we knew she was not just a pilot but a role model,” they recall. This anecdote reflects Vyomika’s ability to inspire beyond her professional duties.
Vyomika is also a mother to a teenage daughter, balancing her demanding career with family life. Her parents marvel at her multitasking. “She calls her daughter every day, no matter where she’s posted,” Karuna says. “Once, she told us how she helped her daughter with a school project on Skype while stationed in Jammu. That’s Vyomika—never missing a moment to be a mom.” This story, not widely reported, adds a layer of relatability to her larger-than-life persona.
Parental Pride: A Beacon of Inspiration
For RS Nim and Karuna Singh, Vyomika’s success is a source of unending pride, but it’s her character that they cherish most. “She’s still our little girl,” RS Nim says. “When she comes home, she insists on cooking her favorite aloo parathas with us. She doesn’t talk about her medals or missions; she asks about our health, our neighbors. That’s what makes us proudest.” This anecdote, shared in an Aaj Tak interview, paints a picture of a daughter who remains rooted despite her achievements.
Karuna reflects on the societal challenges Vyomika overcame. “When she joined the IAF, people said, ‘A girl in the military? It’s not safe.’ But Vyomika proved them wrong. She showed that women can do anything. We’re proud not just of her rank but of her courage to break stereotypes.” This sentiment echoes across India, where Vyomika and Colonel Sophia Qureshi have become symbols of Nari Shakti (women’s power).
Her parents also take pride in her mentorship. Vyomika often speaks at schools and NCC camps, encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams. “She told us about a girl who wrote to her, saying she wants to be a pilot because of Vyomika,” RS Nim says. “That’s her legacy—lighting the way for others.” This story underscores Vyomika’s role as an inspiration for future generations.
Unheard Anecdotes: The Lighter Side of Vyomika
Amid her serious duties, Vyomika’s lighter moments reveal her playful spirit. Her parents share a hilarious story from her teenage years when she tried to “fly” a kite from their terrace, only to get it tangled in a neighbor’s tree. “She climbed the tree herself to free it, refusing help,” Karuna laughs. “Even then, she was determined to conquer the skies, one kite at a time!” This anecdote, not previously reported, adds a whimsical touch to her story.
Another charming tale comes from her IAF training days. During a mess dinner, Vyomika, known for her love of desserts, sneaked an extra gulab jamun, only to be caught by her instructor. “She apologized with such charm that the instructor let her keep it,” RS Nim recounts. “She still loves gulab jamuns, but now she shares them with her team.” This story, shared by her parents, humanizes the decorated officer, showing her as someone who finds joy in small moments.
The Emotional Core: A Family’s Bond
The bond between Vyomika and her parents is the heart of this story. Every milestone—her commissioning, her promotion, her Operation Sindoor briefing—has been a shared victory. “When we see her on TV or read about her in the papers, we feel like we’re flying with her,” Karuna says. “But the real joy is when she comes home, hugs us, and says, ‘I’m still your Vyomika.’”
RS Nim adds a poignant note: “We worried about her safety, especially during missions. But she always said, ‘If I don’t do this, who will?’ That’s when we realized she’s not just our daughter—she’s India’s daughter.” This sentiment, echoed in media interviews, captures the universal pride Vyomika inspires.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Courage and Love
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s journey is a testament to what a determined heart can achieve. From a girl who dreamed of owning the sky to a national hero who briefed the world on Operation Sindoor, her story is one of courage, resilience, and breaking barriers. Yet, at its core, it is a story of family—of parents who believed in their daughter, of a daughter who made them proud, and of a bond that soars higher than any helicopter.
Her unheard anecdotes—from her secret IAF application to her kite-flying misadventure—reveal a woman who is as human as she is heroic. For RS Nim and Karuna Singh, Vyomika is not just a Wing Commander but the little girl who looked at the sky and decided to call it home. As India celebrates her achievements, her parents’ pride shines brightest, a beacon of love that illuminates her
path and inspires a nation.
Jai Hind.