The Air India girls have long been renowned for their glamour and elegance...the highlight for many of its passengers with an eye for beauty I am sure. The image of a pretty face serving a hot cup of tea with a cheek to cheek smile is quite expected against what is traditionally a patriarchal backdrop. Contrary to all conventions however, India is making headway in breaking down gender stereotypes. A result of a more liberal subcontinent may be...but something has definitely gone on for the glamour stewardesses of Indian Airlines to be largely replaced with a set of uniformly dashing air stewards. And this only gets better.As I settle into my economy class refuge in preparation for my long haul trip complete with latest Bollywood movie and flying socks, I await the comforting voice of the captain that usually helps to calm my flying nerves... you know, that soothing deep "I will look after you" captain voice. But not this time. Mr Captain, was for the first time a woman, with a team of male elves to serve the tea.
So here I am, on my way to my ancestral land. For the next eight hours I am in the hands of the Captainess and blessed with the service of a complete male set of Air India staff who insist on calling me "Maam". And I could not be happier.
The liberalisation of India's economy it seems may well have opened several mental doors that have long been slammed shut. Domestic violence still runs rife and maternal mortality remains at a record high.Yet more and more Indian women are conjuring up the courage to file for divorce, to leave the boundaries of the house and of course to fly planes. You can't get any more high flying than that. Mark my word, Indian women are going places.
