New Delhi [India], September 27: Wing Commander Anjali Rathee (Retd) is a remarkable figure whose life embodies courage, resilience, and dedication. Hailing from a proud defence family in New Delhi, Anjali’s journey from a young girl inspired by military values to a distinguished officer in the Indian Air Force showcases her unwavering commitment to service and excellence.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a family where service to the nation was paramount, Anjali was influenced by her father, a Technical Officer in the Signals Corps of the Indian Army, and her mother, an entrepreneur. These strong role models instilled in her the values of discipline and determination. Anjali attended The Army Public School Dhaula Kuan, where she excelled academically and in extracurricular activities. She then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electronics from Hindu College, Delhi University, where she was crowned Miss Hindu in 2008.
With a desire to serve her country, Anjali joined the Indian Air Force Academy in 2008 and was commissioned into the flying branch of the IAF in December 2009. Her academic prowess continued to shine, as she later earned an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University, after her retirement from the Indian Air Force.
Military Career
Anjali’s service in the Indian Air Force lasted 14 years, during which she made significant contributions as a helicopter pilot. Flying in challenging terrains, she conducted various operations, including humanitarian missions and rescue flights, often making critical decisions under pressure. Her tenure included numerous accolades; she was a gold medalist in cross-country running and named the Best Athlete at the Air Force Academy. She has piloted various rescue missions while flying in challenging terrain. During her tenure she also took up the task of grooming young officers to abrest them with ethos and discipline of military life.
Balancing her demanding career with personal life was a challenge, but Anjali managed to excel in both spheres. She was married to Wing Commander Manish Joshi, a fighter pilot, and together they navigated the complexities of military life while raising two children. Anjali’s ability to harmonize her professional commitments with family responsibilities underscores her dedication and strength.
Personal Achievements and Recognition
In addition to her military accolades, Anjali received the Women Icon Award in 2013 for her role as a mentor and inspiration to youth. She was also felicitated at the Women Entrepreneurs Summit in 2018 for being an inspiration and catalyst towards women empowerment. This recognition reflected her commitment to empowering others, particularly women, to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
In 2024, Anjali achieved a new milestone by being crowned Voguestar Mrs. India 2024. Her participation in the pageant was not just about personal achievement but also aimed at inspiring women to break societal barriers and embrace their ambitions. Anjali’s presence in the pageant world highlighted that true beauty is not merely superficial; it encompasses strength, character, and the courage to pursue one’s passions. She was felicitated as a special guest during the Mrs Maharashtra and Mrs Supranational event by none other than Mrs Neha Dhupia.
Influences and Support
Throughout her journey, Anjali attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family. Her mother encouraged her to join the armed forces, instilling in her the belief that women can thrive in any field. Anjali’s husband has also been a crucial pillar of support, pushing her to expand her horizons and participate in endeavors like the Mrs. India competition. This robust family foundation has been instrumental in her achievements.
Future Goals
Anjali Rathee’s vision for the future revolves around empowering women. She aims to leverage her experiences to mentor and inspire young women to embrace leadership roles and pursue their goals, regardless of societal expectations. Through her story, Anjali hopes to convey that with determination and support, women can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
Conclusion
Wing Commander Anjali Rathee (Retd) exemplifies the spirit of service, empowerment, and excellence. Her journey from the skies of the Indian Air Force to the stage of Mrs. India is a powerful narrative of resilience and inspiration. As she continues to champion the cause of women’s empowerment, Anjali stands as a beacon for aspiring women everywhere, proving that with courage and dedication, the sky is truly not the limit.
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