Sopore, February 26,2026- In a moment of immense pride for Sopore and the entire Rafiabad region, Irsa Ashraf, daughter of Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Paray from Chijhama, has scripted history by becoming the first professional pilot from the area. Marking a significant milestone in her aviation career, Irsa has successfully completed one year of flying with IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines.
Irsa’s remarkable journey from the serene village of Chijhama in Rafiabad to the cockpit of a commercial aircraft stands as a powerful testament to determination, hard work, and resilience. Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a historic moment for Sopore, inspiring countless young girls across Jammu & Kashmir to pursue ambitious careers in aviation and beyond.
Daughter of noted academic Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Paray, Irsa was raised in an environment that valued education, discipline, and perseverance. From an early age, she displayed a passion for learning and a dream to soar high in the skies. Through unwavering dedication and rigorous training, she turned that dream into reality, breaking barriers in a region where representation in the aviation sector has been limited.
Completing one year as a commercial pilot with IndiGo marks a proud chapter in her professional journey. Flying across major domestic routes, Irsa has demonstrated skill, professionalism, and commitment in one of the most demanding careers in the world.
Her success has been widely celebrated across Sopore and Rafiabad, with locals hailing her as a role model for the youth. Community members say her achievement symbolizes hope, progress, and the growing aspirations of young women in North Kashmir.
Irsa Ashraf’s story is more than an individual accomplishment—it is a beacon of inspiration. As Rafiabad’s daughter touches the sky, she carries with her the dreams of an entire community, proving that with determination and courage, even the highest skies are within reach.
