First Naga woman pilot feted

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI |Oct 18

Rovienai Paotei, the first Naga woman pilot from Manipur gave credits for her success to God and her parents. The young woman pilot said this during the ‘thanks giving’ programme was organised for her at Poumai Baptist Church in Senapati today.

Rovienai Paotei, daughter of PD Sele of Purul Atongpa Rosofii, Senapati district, came home few days ago where she was accorded warm welcome at Imphal airport by a large number of people.

Sharing at the ‘thanks giving’ programme, the young woman pilot said that she dreamt of becoming a medical doctor but she changed her mind later. Sele Rovienai also shared about her initial struggle.

Citing an instance, the young woman pilot said during her preparation for the final examination in Australia she learnt of her father’s health condition which was serious. She said, though it disturbed immensely on her preparation for the examination the “testing and trying times” did not last long.

Rovienai Paotei graduated from Basiar Aviation College in New South Wales, Australia, where she studied the commercial pilot course. The woman pilot is currently employed at the Jet Airways.

Meanwhile, today’s programme was attended by Losii Dikho, minister, PHED, Alexander Pao, ex-MLA, ML Markson, chairmen, ADC, Senapati, R.K Thekho, ex-Minister, president Naga Mother’s Association, president, Naga Women Union, SDWA,SDS, PNU, PNTM, SKABU pastors, Fr, Sisou John, family, friends and well-wishers congregated to the service.

Minister L. Dikho said he saluted the pilot “who has achieved such thing” through her determination. He also added that Rovienai Paotei has become a “prominent woman” in the Naga community. “It is a proud moment for every one of us for her achievement and she has served as a role model in breaking the shackles of tough profession”, L. Dikho added.