Tackling failure with strength and never giving up on your dreams is what ultimately leads to success. And 24-year-old Anchal Gangwal proved this with her glorious achievement. The daughter of a tea seller from Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, is now a Flying Officer with the Indian Air Force.

According to her family, Anchal was inspired by the soldiers of the IAF who continuously displayed their bravery during the Kedarnath floods of 2013. And even though her journey had been tough, Anchal was determined to succeed. She aimed to be a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force and started preparing soon after her graduation. And finally, after six attempts, Anchal cleared the Service Selection Board exam.

Image Source

Making her family and state proud

Apart from Anchal’s determination, it was also her father’s never-say-die attitude that helped her fulfil her dreams.

“At times, I faced problems in depositing her school or college fee,” Anchal’s father, Suresh Gangwal, says. “I had to borrow money from others on many occasions to deposit the fee. Sometimes, I had to pretend to be out of town to delay fees deposition.”

“I owe it to my father who taught me to be tough in tough times. I followed the mantra, “Never give up” taught by my father, religiously, to achieve my goal,” said Anchal.

Even though their daughter’s commissioning was a proud moment, Anchal’s family could not make it to the Air Force Academy in Dundigal due to COVID-induced restrictions.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, also extended his wishes and congratulated her on Twitter. “Anchal, daughter of Suresh Gangwal, who runs a tea shop in Neemuch, will now fly the fighter plane in the Air Force. Daughter Anchal, who made Madhya Pradesh proud, will now fly in the heights of the infinite sky to protect the pride and honour of the country. Congratulations, blessings and best wishes to the daughter,” the tweet said.

We hope Flying Officer Anchal Gangwal’s story inspires more young girls to pursue their dreams and not let any obstacle stop them.