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Silent Grit, Soaring Dreams: Journey to the Skies | Sirisha Raju | TEDxKharadi Salon

What if chasing the skies meant starting from the ground, with nothing but your will? Sirisha Raju dreamed of flying long before she could even afford a window seat. Born to humble beginnings and drawn to the science of flight, she was fascinated by physics and the idea of becoming a pilot. But without the financial means, the dream had to wait.Unlike most pilots who take off in their early 20s, Sirisha earned her wings nearly a decade later — after years of working and saving every rupee to fund her training.In this deeply moving talk, Sirisha shares how persistence, patience, and purpose can sometimes take longer to take off, but when they do, they soar.Her story is a reminder of how far courage can take you — the kind that stays steady through silence, sacrifice, and self-belief. And when matched with the right financial support, dreams like hers find the wings they need to rise. Sirisha Raju is a trailblazing pilot whose journey from a small village in Odisha to the cockpit is a powerful story of courage, grit, and determination. Raised in a modest household with limited resources, Sirisha defied societal norms and expectations to pursue her childhood dream of flying. With no direct access to aviation, she studied aeronautical engineering, worked odd jobs, and battled financial hardships and social barriers. Beginning her flying career at 27—ten years later than most—she overcame immense obstacles, including the setbacks of the pandemic, to become a certified pilot. Supported by the unwavering belief of her parents, Sirisha has now flown over 50 aircraft and stands as a symbol of resilience and inspiration. Her story resonates far beyond aviation, encouraging anyone who faces fear, limitation, or doubt to keep striving. Today, Sirisha is not just a pilot—she is a beacon for every dreamer daring to rise above the odds. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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