During the two-month course, she received advanced training in space shuttle mission, multi-axis training, micro-gravity, manned manoeuvering unit and extra vehicular activity (EVA), Ayesha said.
Although she is eligible to sit in the examination for qualifying as a commercial pilot in November this year, Ayesha said she will appear in the test next year as “I don't think I am ready yet.”
She is proud of the support extended to her by her parents. “It is because of my parents that I stand where I am today.”
Ask her about Kashmir and she excitingly recalls her visits to the Valley.
“Kashmir has played a significant role in my life and I am emotionally attached to it,” Ayesha said.
She has a word of advice for the youth in Kashmir especially girls—not to be bothered by politics and to follow their heart.
“I have the pictures in my mind of the sufferings and everything that is happening in Kashmir. I am waiting for the day when all these bad things end,” she said.
“I want to tell the Kashmiri youth to follow their hearts and dreams. There are avenues you should follow and not just run after medicine and engineering. And do not be after politics. Do not bother your mind by it....that is not how it should be,” she added.
Updated on: September 17, 2013 16:56 IST
