Determination fuels Thane mechanic’s daughter’s flight | Thane News

THANE: A daughter of a garage mechanic from Thane has demonstrated that resolute determination and unwavering hard work can help one overcome any obstacles in life to achieve aspirational goals.
Meet 22-year-old Sejal Yadav from Thane, who overcame financial limitations and societal pressures and forfeited conveniences typically associated with her generation to pursue her aspiration of joining the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Sejal, who secured an all-India rank of 46 in the IAF entry-level examinations recently, earned her place in the aeronautical engineering department of the prestigious force.
The journey to success for Sejal was arduous. The youth, who resides in a modest dwelling in the old city area with her family—including father Sugriv, a garage mechanic, housewife mother Geeta, and a younger sister—contended with monetary challenges.
“I aspired to become a doctor and, despite achieving excellent marks, couldn’t pursue it knowing my father, the sole breadwinner, might struggle to finance my education. I chose engineering instead, uncertain about continuing. Fortuitously, in my second year of engineering, I discovered opportunities in the armed forces to serve the nation and, after obtaining parental consent, joined the NCC and ultimately found my calling in the IAF,” she says.
Nevertheless, the path to achievement was demanding as young Sejal sacrificed social activities and comforts whilst managing her engineering studies and preparations for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
“She devoted daytime to engineering studies and nights to AFCAT preparation, often sleeping merely two hours before heading to college. She pursued her education through scholarships to avoid financial burden. While peers enjoyed luxuries and sophisticated gadgets, she optimised her modest resources without complaints,” recounts her proud father, Sugriv.
The now confident youngster, who was once a self-admitted shy person, recounts the hurdles she encountered, including cynics who urged her to abandon education and accept conventional employment to support her father financially. However, the resolute youth maintained that despite looming family responsibilities, she remained steadfast in achieving her ambition.
“I achieved the 46th rank nationwide in the entry-level examinations and shall undergo year-long training before induction as a flying officer in the IAF. I may select my specialisation during training.
I acknowledge my parents’ sacrifices enabling my dreams and shall strive to make them prouder,” she affirms as she embarks on transforming her aspirations into reality.