Capt. Indraani Singh Grewal’s journey is one of remarkable vision, grit, and impact. Breaking barriers in aviation, she became the world’s first woman commander on the Airbus-300 in 1995, establishing herself as a pioneer in a traditionally male-dominated field. But her most transformative flight has been on the ground—empowering communities across India through education, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

With over 33 years in aviation and an unwavering commitment to social impact, she founded Literacy India in 1996, which has since impacted over 975,000 lives and engaged 4.7 million individuals through multifaceted programs focused on education, skill development, and digital inclusion.

She is not just a social innovator—she is a creative force and a changemaker. As a photographer, sustainable craft designer, and entrepreneur, she has enabled over 3.1 lakh grassroots entrepreneurs and empowered more than 10,000 rural women through her initiative Indha, blending traditional crafts with contemporary markets.

Her contributions to digital education and experiential learning are game-changing. From GyanTantra–Digital Dost, which is transforming how children learn, to the Vidyapeeth–Pathshala–Gurukul continuum, which nurtures real-world problem-solving and changemaking in youth, her vision integrates technology, creativity, and purpose. In collaboration with Code.org, Literacy India is also building the next generation of coders across its centres.

Beyond education, she is a passionate advocate for sustainability and corporate social responsibility, having developed scalable CSR engagement models, renewable energy solutions, and waste recycling innovations that reflect her deep environmental consciousness.

She has been featured on the cover of California’s Women Achievers Magazine and honoured with prestigious accolades, including the Limca Book of Records, Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award, Power to Empower Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Congress of Women.

She is celebrated not only for her pioneering spirit but also for her transformative leadership, inclusive innovation, and her relentless drive to empower individuals to build a better, more equitable India. As a proud recipient of the Indian Achievers Award, she exemplifies how one visionary can redefine both the skies and the soul of a nation through purpose-driven innovation and lifelong service.