Honda goes off-road; supports women in becoming commercial pilots under their CSR initiative

India proudly holds the highest proportion of female commercial pilots in the world, standing at 12 per cent. Further supporting the strengthened population of female pilots is the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd.

The company is directing its CSR initiatives on providing a unique training programme for women to help them become competent to fly a commercial aircraft. The program, aptly named as ‘Sapno Ki Udaan’, is targeting to offer 100 per cent scholarships to 20 female aspirants who aim at being successful pilots.

Girls from different parts of India, including Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Karnataka have been invited to apply for the scholarship. Honda has offered to direct them in the selection process, and also provide them with a job after the successful completion of the training. The company has volunteered to fund the entire cost of training period of 18 months at one of the flying schools.

“The training of the candidates will begin by October after selection of the candidates. We are engaging with the flying clubs across India for their training tie-up and also engaging with public and private airline players for placement support,” said Harbhajan Singh, Director, (General & Corporate Affairs), HMSI here during the launch of the programme.

Women applicants, however, need to oblige by certain criteria to be eligible to apply. Applicants who have scored more than 90% in Physics and Mathematics in class 12th science under State Education Board clear the eligibility. After that, a rigorous series of tests including a written test, Medical test, Psychometric test, and a Technical assessment would be carried out to filter out the 20 most deserving candidates out of the lot.

Announcing Honda’s biggest CSR initiative, Mr Harbhajan Singh, Director, General & Corporate Affairs, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “As a responsible corporate citizen, Honda 2Wheelers is always committed to bring a positive change in our society. Gujarat is special for Honda 2Wheelers India as it is here we have together covered a long journey of growth and development. Taking one step further in our commitments, we are delighted to announce project SAPNO KI UDAAN – Honda’s unique CSR initiative on women empowerment. Many of the bright young women are not able to pursue their dreams due to lack of financial support. Under this unique initiative, Honda will provide 100% scholarship 20 deserving young females in becoming commercial pilots. We believe that these young women would not only get into a highly respected profession but also inspire millions in realizing their power of a dream.”