In the heart of Bihar, a state rich with historical legends and cultural depth, emerges a modern icon who has soared to unprecedented heights—literally. Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth, born in Darbhanga, Bihar, etched her name in aviation history as one of India’s first three women fighter pilots. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016, she became the first woman to fly a MiG-21 Bison supersonic fighter jet in combat operations and the first female pilot to qualify for daytime strikes on enemy targets. Her journey from the fields of Bihar to the cockpit of a roaring fighter aircraft symbolizes empowerment, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of Bihari women.
Bhawana Kanth’s story resonates deeply in searches for “famous women from Bihar,” “influential Bihari women,” and “Bihar female achievers.” As a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, she inspires countless young girls across India, proving that dreams have no gender or geographic limits. This comprehensive biography delves into her life, achievements, challenges, and enduring legacy, highlighting why she remains a beacon for “women empowerment in Bihar” and “Indian women in aviation.”
Roots in Darbhanga and a Spark of Ambition
Bhawana Kanth was born on December 1, 1992, in Darbhanga, a historic city in northern Bihar known for its Mithila culture and educational institutions. Growing up in a middle-class family—her father, Tej Narayan Kanth, was an electrical engineer with NTPC, and her mother a homemaker—Bhawana was the youngest of three siblings. From a young age, she displayed a fierce determination and curiosity about the world beyond her hometown.
Education played a pivotal role in shaping her path. She attended St. Joseph’s Convent High School in Darbhanga before moving to Patna for higher studies. Excelling academically, Bhawana pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in Medical Electronics from BMS College of Engineering in Bengaluru. It was during her college years that her fascination with aviation ignited. Inspired by stories of the IAF and fueled by a desire to serve the nation, she decided to chase what seemed like an impossible dream for a woman from a small town in Bihar.
In a state often stereotyped for its socio-economic challenges, Bhawana’s upbringing instilled values of hard work and perseverance. “Bihar has no dearth of talent,” she has often said, echoing the sentiment that opportunity, not origin, defines success.
Breaking Barriers: Joining the Indian Air Force
The turning point came in 2014 when the IAF opened its doors to women in the fighter stream—a historic decision announced by then-Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar. Bhawana cleared the rigorous Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews, emerging among the top candidates.
In June 2016, alongside Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh, Bhawana was commissioned as a Flying Officer. The trio underwent grueling training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, followed by advanced fighter training on Hawk jets and eventually MiG-21s. On May 23, 2018, Bhawana made history by completing her solo flight in a MiG-21 Bison—the first Indian woman to do so.
Her achievements didn’t stop there:
- First Woman to Fly Rafale: In 2022, Bhawana became the first female pilot to fly the cutting-edge Rafale fighter jet during its induction into the IAF.
- Daytime Combat Qualification: She earned the rare distinction of being the first woman cleared for daytime strike missions.
- Operational Roles: Posted with the Western Air Command, she has flown in high-threat environments, including during Indo-Pak tensions.
Training was no easy feat—physical endurance tests, G-force simulations, and psychological evaluations pushed her limits. Yet, Bhawana credits her Bihari roots for her resilience: “Coming from Bihar taught me to fight against odds.”
Challenges Overcome: Shattering the Glass Ceiling
As a pioneer, Bhawana faced immense scrutiny. The fighter pilot role demands peak physical fitness, mental toughness, and split-second decision-making—qualities long assumed to be male domains. Skeptics questioned women’s suitability for combat aviation, citing physiological differences. Bhawana silenced critics with her performance, proving that determination trumps stereotypes.
Societal pressures from conservative Bihar added layers of challenge. Many girls in her hometown faced early marriage or limited career options, but Bhawana’s family supported her unconditionally. “My parents never differentiated between me and my brothers,” she recalls. Her story has sparked a wave of aspirations—hundreds of Bihari girls now dream of the skies, with enrollment in NCC and aviation courses surging.
In 2018, she was felicitated as one of Bihar’s top women achievers, alongside literary figures and singers, underscoring her role in elevating “Bihari women in defense.”
