The very dynamic Dr. Vandana Singh defies the norms. As the Chairperson of Aviation Cargo at the Federation of Aviation Industry India (FAII), she commands huge respect in a sector long dominated by men. From breaking barriers in the male-dominated cargo and logistics sector, to mentoring women, to being appointed Chairperson at FAII, Dr. Singh is both a pioneer and a powerhouse.

But beyond the titles and accolades, Dr. Singh wears her most cherished badge close to her heart… that of a mother. Motherhood, she says, has been the most transformative chapter of her life. It taught her patience, strength, and a capacity for unconditional love. The most rewarding part? Watching her daughter grow into a Lieutenant in the Indian Army, embodying the very values of discipline, clarity, and compassion that Dr. Singh herself holds dear.

And… one of her proudest moments? …Remains being awarded the Gaurav Padak, a medal of honor for parents whose children serve in the Armed Forces… a moment she describes as deeply emotional and symbolic of generational service.

In an exclusive interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Dr. Vandana Singh talks about the battles she fought, the legacy she’s building, and why raising a strong daughter has been her greatest victory of all.

Over To Dr. Vandana Singh, Chairperson, Aviation Cargo

How do you tackle the challenges of being in a male dominated field, and what are three milestones that define your journey? 

Dr. Vandana Singh: As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, challenges have never been strangers. But I’ve always believed that adversity reveals character—and over time, I’ve learned to meet challenges not with resistance, but with resolve. I don’t just face them—I grow through them.

The three milestones that define my journey are deeply personal and powerful:

• Watching my daughter take her pledge to serve the nation as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army Watching my daughter pledge to serve the nation as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army will forever be my proudest moment. As parents, we were honoured with the Gaurav Padak—a medal given to those whose children serve the Indian Armed Forces. It was a deeply emotional experience, a recognition that we had given a part of ourselves to the nation. That day, I stood not just as a mother, but as a link in a generational legacy of service, sacrifice, and strength.
• Driving women empowerment in the cargo and logistics sector is a mission I hold close to my heart. I’ve worked tirelessly to establish mentorship and support frameworks so that women in this field never feel like they’re walking alone. I’ve built communities where growth is shared, voices are heard, and progress is celebrated collectively. We’ve replaced isolation with inclusion—and competition with collaboration.
• Being appointed Chairperson of Aviation Cargo at the Federation of Aviation Industry India (FAII) marked a professional milestone that came with responsibility, visibility, and a greater sense of purpose. It wasn’t just a title—it was a statement that women in aviation logistics are not only present, but are shaping the future of the industry with vision and strength.

 “I am the daughter of a soldier, and the mother of one. Strength, service, and sacrifice are etched in my bloodline—and I carry that legacy into every challenge I take on.”

What’s been the most rewarding part of your motherhood journey so far? 

Dr. Vandana Singh: Motherhood has been the most transformative chapter of my life. It has taught me patience, strength, and a capacity to love unconditionally. 

The most rewarding part has been watching my daughter grow into a confident, disciplined, and fiercely committed young woman—qualities she now exemplifies as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army. Most of all watching her living her dream.

To see her live with such clarity, compassion, and commitment to a cause larger than herself fills me with immeasurable pride. It is in her victories, her strength, and her values that I see the reflection of my own journey as a mother. Her courage gives my work deeper meaning, and her presence reminds me every day why nurturing, guiding, and believing in our children is the most important role we’ll ever play.

How do you strike that beautiful balance between work and home life? 

Dr. Vandana Singh: Balance isn’t about equal hours—it’s about equal intention. I’ve always approached my professional and personal lives as two parts of the same whole, not as competing identities. I’ve learned to be fully present wherever I am—at a boardroom table negotiating partnerships, or at the dinner table sharing quiet moments with family.

Discipline and planning help, but it’s the emotional investment that makes the real difference. I’ve always believed that leadership at home is just as vital as leadership at work. I prioritise clarity over chaos, and open communication has always been the backbone of my family life. Importantly, I’ve never been afraid to ask for help or delegate—because being ‘everything to everyone’ is not sustainable. What matters most is authenticity, and that my daughter always saw me show up as myself, with purpose and grace.

My TheGlitz quotes  

“I raised a soldier and became one in my own right—fighting silent battles, shattering ceilings, and nurturing strength with every heartbeat.”

“Motherhood didn’t slow me down—it taught me how to rise higher, love deeper, and lead with a heart that’s both fierce and tender.” – Dr. Vandana Singh