The P.S. Tamang government in Sikkim has stood in support of a girl from the Himalayan state who aspires to be a pilot.

Chunu Rai, who hails from Meyong, a locality in the Gyalshing district of Sikkim, has been provided with financial assistance from the chief minister’s fund. She will be the second female commercial pilot from the mountain state.

Rai is currently undergoing the commercial pilot licence course at the Red Bird Flight Training Academy in Karnataka. The significant step in her aviation journey started in September last year.

Sources said last year, Rai got a chance to speak to the chief minister while he was addressing a public meeting in Gangtok. While meeting Tamang, Rai mentioned her aspiration to become a pilot and appealed for assistance because her family could not bear the expenses of the course.

“It is a two-year course and the fee is ₹52 lakh. The chief minister has paid the entire fee from the CM’s fund. This story of determination and support highlights the government’s commitment to nurturing talent and realizing the dreams of its citizens,” said the source.

Tamang too, has mentioned Rai’s journey in social media. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to her determination and our commitment to empowering women and talented individuals. We are confident that she will work hard and continue to make us all proud,” he mentioned in a post.

The aspiring pilot is grateful to the chief minister for taking on the responsibility to fulfil her dream.

“When I told him about this seemingly unreachable dream, he supported me without any hesitation. He has not left any stone unturned to make the dream a reality. I am grateful to have someone as caring as him,” said Rai.

Her parents, Hasta Raj Rai and Sumnima Rai have also expressed their gratitude to Tamang.

“The chief minister stood in our daughter’s support and she will be a trained pilot soon. She could not have achieved her dream otherwise” said the father.