Exclusive | “Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve my nation”: Operation Ganga hero Mahasweta Chakraborty tells HT

In an exclusive interview with hindustantimes.com's Soumi Pyne, Mahasweta Chakraborty described her ordeals and how this journey has helped her grow as person.

Mahasweta Chakraborty, a 24-year-old Indian pilot, who was part of the team that brought back several Indian students stuck in the Ukraine warzone, is being applauded for her valour. In an exclusive interview with hindustantimes.com's Soumi Pyne, Mahasweta Chakraborty described her ordeals and how this journey has helped her grow as person.

Mahasweta Chakraborty

Q: When were you informed about Operation Ganga?

Mahasweta Chakraborty: It was in early March when I was informed that I will be a part of this huge initiative by the Indian government, under the leadership of our Prime Minister. There wasn't much time to think about it, so without much ado, I decided to get on this operation along with other pilots and crew members. Even now, when I reflect on it, I feel it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve my nation.

Q: How did you prepare yourself in such short notice?

Mahasweta Chakraborty: A pilot's life is aptly described as “Life in a Suitcase”. Though, when I was going for the rescue mission several thoughts crossed my mind, I was worried about the ongoing war. But in the end, my parents' teachings, to never back off from my responsibilities—no matter how hard or easy it is—showed me the way. The very seat of First Officer or to say a pilot is to be courageous and show strength. If that very person frets, then how would others be at peace.

Q: How different was this operation? Tell us your experience.

Mahasweta Chakraborty: Out of whatever little experience I have seen onboard an aircraft, this operation was on another level. We were carrying passengers who had suffered so many difficulties and had a near-death experience. The realization that “Yes they are safe now and out of danger” or the doubt that whether they will be able to see their loved ones again (really puts a perspective about things). Such uncertainty about life and death, makes our minute troubles insignificant. Maybe had I not seen this, it would have been left me less matured.

Q: Which was the most difficult part of the mission?

Mahasweta Chakraborty: There is nothing which was as difficult as what the students have faced. As I said, as an individual, whenever we are deprived of little things in life, we express our difficulties or discomfort unless we come across an amputee who has climbed the Mount Everest. Here, the students have faced more in comparison to our difficulties.

Q: How did the victims react after seeing people coming from India to rescue them? Did you see relief on their face?

Mahasweta Chakraborty: Maybe if I wouldn't have got this opportunity, I wouldn't understand the real meaning of fear. With my minute interaction, I could easily understand that they are still in that state of trance between safety and feeling like they were being threatened. The need and fight towards safety and survival were more prominent. The emotional longing to see and go back to their families, to their own soil, was so prominent.

Q: How did your parents react after hearing that you're going to rescue the people from Ukraine?

Mahasweta Chakraborty: My parents have always pushed me towards giving my 100% to everything I do. My biggest inspiration comes from them, my teachers, all my instructors and in numerous fellow colleagues, whom I come across every day. And the most surprising thing is today whatever I am it is because of these little inspirations from each one of them. Maybe as parents they were worried about their child, but they never let that fear surpass the intense support and strength that they have always provided me.

Q: What did you learn from such a critical experience?

Mahasweta Chakraborty: I think this experience at my age has given me the chance to grow, as a human being. I think this experience at my age has given me medium for growth. Growth which is a symptom of being human. Today as you are talking to me, I feel so honoured that being a pilot is being appreciated. And through me, not just pilots but be it our most hardworking cabin crew and in numerous ground staffs are given a recognition. It was once in a lifetime opportunity which has taught me a lot many lessons which I think I can’t describe through words.

Q: Did you think your experience and confidence were worth going for Operation Ganga?

Mahasweta Chakraborty: In life there are a lot of things which are worth taking a chance for. If this question is in directive towards my age, I believe age is just a number. A person's mental confidence and strength cannot be determined by their age. Yes of course I am just a First Officer and as far as experience is concerned, life has just begun. But being associated with such great initiatives like Operation Ganga and Operation Vande Bharat, my experience is getting more enriched both mentally and spiritually. Once again, I am grateful to the divine, my family and each and every institution related to this mission including the Government of India headed by PM Modi and the Ministry of Aviation for giving me a chance to be a part of it and I pray that if my need arises in the future again, I will volunteer to serve once again.

(Note: The interview has been lightly edited for clarity.)