Squadron leader Anisha is back to school to save lives

Chengannur: Squadron leader Anisha V Thomas returned to her alma mater in a unique role – the leader of a rescue team in the flood-affected area. There was much to be nostalgic about, but she had a crucial duty at hand.

Anisha studied Electronics and Communication at IHRD Engineering College in Chengannur before joining the Indian Air Force (IAF). Her first operation in Chengannur was at the same college. Later, the operations were shifted to Christian College considering the better network availability there.

A native of Pazhayarikandam at Kanjikuzhi in Idukki, Anisha is now attached to the Communication section at Southern Air Command in Coimbatore.

Taking part in a rescue mission for the first time, Anisha said that students at her old college as well as Christian College were actively supporting the rescue mission. Several of her old classmates also contacted Anisha and some also praised her work on social media.

Starting their duty at 5.30 am every day, Anisha and her team save lives till dusk, when the choppers retire for the day. Afterwards, Anisha has to prepare reports about the day's mission. During her first few days in Chengannur, Anisha barely slept.

Though many old chums contacted her, Anisha wondered what her teachers were doing. Soon after, Liju Philip of Chengannur came to meet her. He was a faculty member of the IHRD College's Electronics and Communication Department. Philip too had served with the IAF and retired as Flight Lieutenant before taking up the faculty position. ''Joining the IAF was Anisha's dream since her second year in college,'' Philip recalled.