Meet Disha Naik from Manohar International Airport in Goa, India. She has shattered gender norms by becoming a dedicated firefighter in the Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) unit of Manohar International Airport (MIA). Marking herself as India's first certified woman firefighter to operate a Crash Fire Tender.

Naik's journey is a testament to her unwavering determination and extensive training, embodying the spirit of empowerment and equal opportunity offered at GMR. In November 2021, she applied for a position in the Airport Rescue & Firefighting department at MIA. Clearing all prerequisites, she officially joined the department on July 1, 2022 and became the first certified Lady firefighter from Goa. After a few months, during the course of her employment, she expressed her interest to operate the Crash Fire Tender specially designed for aircraft rescue & firefighting – a pursuit never thought of before by a woman. Fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity, GMR recognized her exceptional performance and passion, and facilitated her participation in defensive driving training followed by specialized training on the Rosenbauer Crash Fire Tender.

Her quest involved an intensive six-month external training program in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, which meticulously prepared her for the challenging and critical role. Her achievement not only crowns her as India's first certified female firefighter to operate a crash Fire Tender but also stands as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging women to venture into underrepresented industries.

Her historic achievement marks a significant milestone in the field of airport rescue and firefighting!

We at GMR Group applaud her determination and passion, and continue to encourage and support individuals like her to pursue their dreams and break barriers in under-represented fields. Join us in celebrating Naik's remarkable achievement, as we strive to create a workplace where talent is celebrated and encouraged to thrive!