SpiceJet fetes 20 rural 'women of substance' on all-women crew flight (March 8 was International Women's Day)

Saluting the spirit of womanhood, SpiceJet in collaboration with two non-profit organisations working for women's empowerment, flew 20 women from rural hinterlands on an all-women crew flight to the Art of Living Centre in Benguluru on Tuesday.

The 20 "woman of substance" who faced extreme life situations like violence, social setbacks and even imprisonment, were selected for the special flight from Delhi by former Indian Police Service officer Kiran Bedi's India Vision Foundation and Navjyoti India Foundation.

"SpiceJet has touched the lives of these silent majority of women from India's rural areas who raise generations of farmers, labourers, soldiers and intellectuals against all odds," SpiceJet general manager (corporate affairs) Ajay Jasra told IANS.

Ecstasy spread on the faces of these women as the prospect of first-time flying brought unfathomable joy. Unused to being pampered or served, they marvelled at the crew members, hugged and thanked them as they enjoyed the experience.

"For these women, it was a dream come true moment," Monica Dhawan, director of India Vision Foundation, told IANS.

The 20 women, who were flying for the first time, spent the entire day at the Art of Living Centre going through yoga, meditation and various stress-relieving sessions.

"It is an unforgettable moment in my life," said a woman who spent 14 years in a prison after being convicted for murder, declining to be named.

SpiceJet flew 10 flights across its network with all-women crew celebrating the International Women's Day.

(Rachel V. Thomas was invited on the all-women flight by SpiceJet. She can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in)