Pulwama youth soars to success as first pilot from South Kashmir district

PULWAMA — A youth from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has secured a position as a pilot in Air India. Raja Shahzaib Raza from Panner Jagir, Tral is the first pilot from his area.

Speaking to the news agency KNO, his father Raja Ishtiyaq Hussian, a retired Executive Engineer, shared the journey of his son’s success.

“Shahzaib’s educational foundation began at Tyndale Biscoe School in Srinagar. Then, he pursued B.Tech in mechanical engineering from Kashmir University,” he said.

He added, “I initially encouraged my son to consider Civil Services, but he opted for a different path and got enrolled in the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udaan Academy (IGRUA) in Ambedhi after completing B.Tech.”

After completing the course at IGRUA, Shahzaib applied for a pilot position, securing a coveted spot in Air India, Raja said.

“Currently in Delhi to join the academy, my son’s achievement is not only a source of pride for our family but also a reason for celebration in Tral, where the residents are jubilant over his selection,” the proud father added.

Hussian said the youth of Kashmir are very talented and can compete at any level and achieve their goals. He said an increasing number of Kashmiri youth are venturing into aviation. “There is a great scope of opportunities in this field,” he added.