I believe I can fly. It was a statement that’s just a motivation phrase for most people for Anupriya Lakra from Odisha’s Maoist-hit Malangiri district, it was a life goal

The 27-year-old is set to achieve her dream and will become the first tribal woman from the backward region.

She quit engineering seven years to join an aviation academy. Her feat drew applause from a host of individuals including Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

"I am happy to learn about the success of Anupriya Lakra. The success achieved by her through dedicated efforts and perseverance is an example for many," Patnaik tweeted, wishing Anupriya more achievements as an able pilot.

Daughter of a havildar in Odisha Police and a homemaker, Anupriya completed her matriculation from a convent in Malkangiri and higher secondary from a school in Semiliguda.

She joined the Pilot Training Institute in Bhubaneswar in 2012 and her parents expressed happiness about her success.