First Naga lady pilot from Senapati urges students not to fear failure

DIMAPUR — ‘Be bold, think out of the box and pursue goals that few dare to attempt,’ Roveinai Paotei, the first Naga lady pilot, told students of Naga Public School at Koide Büsho, Senapati district, on Monday.

Paotei, who earned her Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in Australia before becoming a pilot, encouraged the students to ‘explore and discover new things every day’, reminding them that education is not limited to textbooks.

Recounting the struggles encountered during her journey, she urged the students not to fear failure, citing how each setback taught her to rise stronger. “Life itself is a challenge,” she said, adding that hard work and determination bring one closer to success.

The pilot also paid tribute to teachers, describing them “the real heroes and builders of society.” While often unrecognised, she said, their dedication shapes the future of countless students.

When a student asked during an interactive session why she became a pilot, she replied, “I wanted to take the less-travelled road; it is more challenging.”

She also reminded students that “God has a purpose for each one of us, and when God is at the centre of our lives, everything finds true meaning”.