By Javeed Abdullah
Owais Manzoor’s remarkable journey from the small village of Hanjisharth, near Handwara, to the skies as a Trainee First Officer for Air India is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and ambition. Born into a family that valued education—his father, Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh, a retired civil engineer, and his mother, Tabasum Rashid, a teacher—Owais grew up in an environment that nurtured his aspirations.
His early life in Hanjisharth, a modest village 3 kilometers from Handwara town, laid the foundation for his extraordinary path towards a career in aviation. Owais began his schooling at Welkin Educational Trust in Sopore, where he studied until class 8, before moving to New Millennium Public School, Handwara, where he completed his 10th grade. It was during this period that his curiosity about flying was first sparked. The skies above the valley ignited a passion in him, and his dream of becoming a pilot began to take shape.
After completing his 10th grade, Owais continued his education at Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Handwara, where he focused on subjects that would later guide him into aviation. With unwavering determination, he completed his 12th grade in 2022 and set his sights on pursuing his dream.
Owais moved to Delhi, where he faced the daunting task of passing six DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) exams, a crucial step for anyone aiming to enter the aviation field. These exams, known for their complexity, tested his knowledge of meteorology, air navigation, regulations, and technical aspects of aircraft. His relentless efforts paid off, and after clearing the exams, Owais joined Redbird Flight Training Academy in Karnataka, where he completed 200 hours of flight training.
In 2023, Owais took the next major leap in his aviation career by obtaining his type rating for the Airbus A320 from BAA Vietnam. This qualification allowed him to operate one of the world’s most commonly used commercial jets, marking his transition from a trainee pilot to a fully qualified professional capable of handling complex aircraft.
The ultimate test of his journey came when Air India, the national airline, announced vacancies for Trainee First Officers. Owais, armed with years of hard work and preparation, applied for the position. The selection process was rigorous, comprising five rounds of assessments that tested his theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and psychological preparedness. Through each demanding stage, Owais’s dedication shone, and he emerged victorious, securing his place in the cockpit of an Air India aircraft.
Owais Manzoor’s journey from Hanjisharth to the prestigious role of Trainee First Officer is a beacon of hope for young dreamers in Kashmir and beyond. His achievement is not only a personal victory but an inspiration for countless others who aspire to transcend their circumstances and reach new heights. His success highlights the importance of perseverance, passion, and the support of a nurturing family.
His father, Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh, and his mother, Tabasum Rashid, played a pivotal role in fostering his ambition. Their emphasis on education and their unwavering belief in Owais’s potential fueled his determination to succeed.
As Owais begins his career with Air India, this achievement is just the beginning. The future promises further growth and success as he continues to soar higher in his career. His story is a powerful reminder that with dedication, dreams can indeed turn into reality, no matter how humble one’s beginnings.
During a conversation with Owais and his family, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, Dy Chief Education Handwara, highlighted the untapped talent in the district. He emphasized the need for counseling and guidance, citing plans by Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara, Mr. Aziz Ahmad Rather, to introduce such sessions for aspiring youth.
Owais’s journey exemplifies what is possible with the right guidance and educational support. It is a call to action for society to prioritize education and create a nurturing environment where more young stars like Owais can rise and make us proud. Initiatives like “Back to Roots,” where education is the priority, are crucial for building a brighter future for our youth.
Javeed Abdullah
The writer is an educator, columnist, and stage host. He can be reached at javeedwrites378@gmail.com
