Two Mohali Girls Make History as IAF Flying Officers
Aman Arora Congratulates New Officers, Highlights Inspiration for Punjab’s Young Women
Chandigarh, December 13
In a proud moment underscoring the Punjab government’s dedication to empowering young women in defence services under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls in SAS Nagar (Mohali) celebrates another milestone. Two of its distinguished alumni, Charanpreet Kaur and Mehak Dahiya, have been commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force following their successful passing out from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
watch…..Five MRSAFPI Graduates Commissioned in Armed Forces
The commissioning took place during an impressive Combined Graduation Parade reviewed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM.
Flying Officer Charanpreet Kaur, daughter of Harminder Singh Banwait (a driver by profession) from Kurali in SAS Nagar, has been commissioned into the Administrative Branch. Flying Officer Mehak Dahiya (note: also referred to as Mahak in some reports), daughter of Anil Kumar Dahiya (a government teacher) from SAS Nagar, has joined the Accounts Branch.
Punjab Minister for Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training, Aman Arora, extended heartfelt congratulations to the new Flying Officers, noting that their achievements will motivate more girls from Punjab to join the armed forces.
The Punjab government continues to expand opportunities, with the NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls established at Mai Bhago AFPI in July 2023—now training its third batch—and a new block named after Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw inaugurated in November 2025.
Major General Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (Retd), Director of Mai Bhago AFPI, expressed joy at the commissioning, saying it will energize efforts to encourage greater participation of women in the defence forces. He wished the new officers a successful and fulfilling career in the Indian Air Force.
