Odia girl Manisha Padhi becomes first woman Aide-De-Camp

BHUBANESWAR: Manisha Padhi, an Odisha girl currently serving as a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force, has been appointed as India's first woman Aide-De-Camp (ADC) from the Indian Armed Forces.

Mizoram governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati appointed Manisha Padhi, a 2015 batch Indian Air Force officer, as India's first Woman Aide-De-Camp (ADC) on Wednesday.

The governor has shared a video of appointing the Lady Air Force Officer to the key post on his 'X' handle.

“Hearty congratulations to Sqn Leader Manisha Padhi for being appointed as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Mizoram. Sqn Leader Manisha is India’s first Woman Indian Armed Forces officer to be appointed as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the governor in the country. My best wishes to her and may she excel in the sector with the expertise she has earned over the years," the governor wrote on his ‘X’ handle.

“Manisha Padhi’s appointment is not just a milestone but a testament to the power of women breaking gender norms and excelling in different fields. Let's celebrate this remarkable achievement and continue to champion women's empowerment in every sphere,” the Governor further stated in a release.

Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi formally joined her post and reported to the Governor on Wednesday where she was introduced to the officers and staff of the Raj Bhavan, Mizoram. Previously, Sqn Leader Manisha Padhi was posted to three postings - Air Force Station, Bidar, Air Force Station, Pune, and lastly at Air Force Station, Bhatinda.

An Aide-De-Camp is a personal assistant or secretary to a person of high rank, including head of state.

Hailing from Berhampur in Ganjam district, Padhi is an alumnus of the C. V. Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar. Her parents live in Bhubaneswar.