Anupriya Lakra, a tribal woman from Odisha's Maoist-hit Malkangiri district has become the first female pilot from the region. The 27-year-old will soon join a private airline as a co-pilot.

Lakra’s father Mariniyas Larka, a police constable in Malkangiri and mother Jimaj Yashmin Lakra said their daughter has not only made the family proud, but the entire state.

“Though it was difficult for me to fund her pilot training, I took loans and got help from relatives. I always ensured that my daughter gets an education in the field she wanted to,” said Mariniyas Lakra. Anupriya’s mother Jimaj said despite meagre resources she and her husband never stopped their daughter from dreaming big. “We are happy that she has become what she always dreamt of. I want my daughter to be a source of inspiration for all girls. I urge all parents to support their daughters,” said Jimaj, who lives in a dilapidated house in Malkangiri with her husband and son.

Acknowledging the achievement, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Lakra on her success and said, "I am happy to learn about the success of Anupriya Lakra. The success achieved by her through dedicated efforts and perseverance is an example for many."

Anupriya Lakra, a tribal woman from Odisha's Maoist-hit Malkangiri district has become the first female pilot from the region. The 27-year-old will soon join a private airline as a co-pilot.

Lakra’s father Mariniyas Larka, a police constable in Malkangiri and mother Jimaj Yashmin Lakra said their daughter has not only made the family proud, but the entire state.

“Though it was difficult for me to fund her pilot training, I took loans and got help from relatives. I always ensured that my daughter gets an education in the field she wanted to,” said Mariniyas Lakra. Anupriya’s mother Jimaj said despite meagre resources she and her husband never stopped their daughter from dreaming big. “We are happy that she has become what she always dreamt of. I want my daughter to be a source of inspiration for all girls. I urge all parents to support their daughters,” said Jimaj, who lives in a dilapidated house in Malkangiri with her husband and son.

Acknowledging the achievement, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Lakra on her success and said, "I am happy to learn about the success of Anupriya Lakra. The success achieved by her through dedicated efforts and perseverance is an example for many."