Swarna is a young soft spoken, humble, affectionate, kindhearted and an ambitious lady. She is a resident of B-34 F.F- Panchsheel Enclave. She is a 24 years dedicated, diligent lady pilot who has a ravishing future ahead of her. She had her own strategies to accomplish her goals in her life. She faced and overcame many struggles to be where she is today at such a young age.
Q. Hello, dear Swarna, give us your Introduction and tell us about yourself?
A: My name is Swarna Barnwal. I was born and brought up in Delhi and have been living in Panchsheel Enclave since I was 3 years old. I am currently working as a First Officer with Air India, something I’ve wanted to do as a child. I enjoy traveling, meeting new people and watching movies.
Q. Swarna can you share some childhood memories ?
A. My childhood has been a joyful time for me. I remember being quite involved in physical activities whether it was basketball, skating, swimming or cycling. And I think that helped me be mobile in my later life, exploring the places I visit by foot often. I also fondly remember traveling by air as my father is a commercial pilot too! My family would have a tradition of celebrating the smallest of the events in our life, whether it was the last day of exam or just a random Thursday. Those were the best times for me.
Q. Were you always confident of yourself when you were in school?
A. As a child, I was an introverted person, resulting in me not making a lot of friends. However, joining Nichiren Daishonin’s philosophy at an early age, helped me overcome this tendency to be a more confident person now. When I was younger, I used to also participate in various music competitions, both as a singer and a keyboard player.
Q. What goes in your mind when you are flying?
A. I really enjoy the views from the sky. Whether it’s looking at a starry sky at night or the cityscapes below during the day, it makes me wonder about it all. However, there is a sense of responsibility that sets in to do my best to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Q. Were you always keen to become a pilot?
A. Yes! Since I was in Nursery, I have wanted to become a pilot. At the start of every new school year, the students were to write what they want to be when they grow up, and whether it was English, Hindi or French (eventually), the answer was the same- to become a pilot. Ever since I was a child, I have seen my father in uniform, preparing for his flight, and seeing him in the cockpit, flying the aircraft. His way of living and love of flying truly inspired me.
Q. Did you ever have an idol?
A. I’ve never singled out a person as my idol. I think I have always picked qualities I admire from the various people I interact with.
Q. What are your suggestions for youngsters with dreams?
A. I have faced several setbacks in my life in my education and career, and the reason I was able to overcome the setbacks and come to this stage in my life is because of my optimism. Whenever I have fallen down, I pick myself up and tell myself to put my 100% in the present moment continuously till I overcome it. My hope comes from the fact that there is always a way forward no matter the circumstances. Something I have learnt from this is to never give up on my dreams, no matter how impossible it looks.
