Meghalaya has just one functional airport, at Umroi, and even this only sees a handful of flights a day but Minerva Wahlang, a 22-year-old from Nongmensong, still dreamt of taking to the skies at the controls of an aircraft.
With years of dedication and hard work, she has proven that commitment and guidance can turn aspirations into reality.
Minerva recently earned her commercial pilot licence (CPL) from an aviation school in Madhya Pradesh. Armed with her CPL, she is now on her way to flying with leading airlines.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Minerva expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and her parents for their unwavering support. She acknowledged the challenges along the way but described the experience as exhilarating. “I didn’t know anyone in this profession, so I relied on pilots who vlog about their journeys. Their videos provided me with valuable insights,” she stated.
Minerva, who completed her schooling in Shillong, said that there is a need for better career counseling in Meghalaya and the wider North East. “Very few youths from our region consider aviation due to a lack of guidance,” she explained. “We need people to illuminate the path for aspiring pilots and raise awareness about the opportunities in this field.”
Her parents, Satyendra Kumar Joshi, an advocate, and Meristella Wahlang, expressed immense pride in their daughter’s achievements. “It was her dream to become a pilot and she pursued it with sincerity and determination. We stood by her decision and we thank God for her success,” they said. They also urged the Meghalaya government to promote awareness and provide coaching for young aviation aspirants, stressing both the challenges and the lucrative potential of the field.
During her rigorous training at CAA, Minerva accumulated extensive flight hours and refined her skills in aircraft operations, navigation and advanced aviation safety.
As she awaits recruitment openings with top airlines, Minerva remains determined to make her state and region proud. “We are proud of her and confident that she will continue to bring glory to Meghalaya,” her parents said.
