President Patil should say more

President Pratibha Patil was addressing the press conference after her history-making sortie in the Sukhoi-30MKI. Without meaning any disrespect, I must say she looked real cute in that G-suit and cap. Like with her usual outfit of saree (draped over her head) and full-sleeve blouse, the suit was buttoned up to her throat. I do feel it makes her look rather uptight, though.

Anyway, what she said was interesting. Forget the "it was an interesting and unique experience..." blah blah. Commenting on women in combat roles, she said that "decision was left to the experts". Given that this 74-year-old woman had just made a half-hour sortie in an Indian Air Force Fighter Jet (a combat aircraft), I wondered who was the 'expert' who had certified her eligible and why weren’t those experts allowing other women into combat roles. I believe, the IAF currently has 784 women officers working in different branches, but at present they are barred from the fighter stream.

I get it, the Presidential sortie was just a promotional gesture to probably do some brand building for the Indian defense forces. If so, then I wish she had taken a stronger stance on women in combat roles, when asked that question. A Presidential opinion could carry a lot of weight, you know. She doesn’t voice it as often as I would like.

All said and done, hats off to the President. She actually ventured to take the flight at age 74. That's an achievement.