Sirmaur’s pride: ‘Drone Didi’ gets Presidential invite for R-Day
Sirmaur’s ‘Drone Didi’ Parmjeet Kaur has received a special invitation from President Droupadi Murmu to attend the ‘At Home’ at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The invitation, sent via the postal department from Rashtrapati Bhavan, has brought immense joy to Parmjeet and her family. While not officially confirmed, it is believed that she will be the sole representative from Sirmaur at the prestigious event, adding to the district’s glory.
Parmjeet Kaur, 22, is a licensed medium-level drone pilot, a certification she earned in December 2023 after completing 15 days of training in Gurugram. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, she also recently completed her JBT (Junior Basic Training) certification. Parmjeet hails from Satiwala village in Paonta Sahib, Sirmaur. Her father Madan Lal is the secretary of the local agriculture society and her mother Usha Rani is a homemaker.
Parmjeet’s achievements are not new. She was previously invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, a testament to her growing recognition in the field.
Known as the ‘Drone Didi’, Parmjeet specialises in using drones for pesticide spraying. She can cover five bighas of land in just 7-8 minutes, a task that traditionally took much longer with manual pump sprayers. This innovation not only saves time but also minimises the health risks farmers face from direct exposure to chemicals.
Parmjeet explains her process: “We mix nano urea and DAP in 10 liters of water and spray it using drones. The task that once took hours is now completed in minutes.” Farmers in her region increasingly rely on her expertise for precision farming.
Parmjeet’s journey began under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, a central government initiative aimed at empowering women-led self-help groups with drone technology. The programme trains women to use drones for pesticide spraying, soil analysis, and crop monitoring, enhancing agricultural productivity while promoting women’s economic independence.
The invitation from the President arrived in an exquisitely crafted box containing handmade items, symbolising the significance of this honour. Delivered by postman under the supervision of Postmaster of Nahan, the invitation has become a cherished memento for Parmjeet and her family.
Parmjeet Kaur’s achievements exemplify how technology, coupled with determination and government support, can transform lives. Her journey from a small village in Sirmaur to receiving national recognition at Rashtrapati Bhavan inspires countless young women to dream big and break barriers. As Parmjeet prepares to represent Sirmaur at the Republic Day celebrations, her story continues to inspire pride and hope, reminding us of the transformative power of innovation and inclusion.
