It is said that nothing is impossible if you put your heart and soul into it. It is said that self-belief, hard work and determination will always earn you success. Talent can’t be discriminated on the basis of caste, creed, religion or financial status.

A tribal woman from Odisha’s Maoist-hit Malkangiri district went on to become the first female pilot from the region. 23-year-old Anupriya Lakra's dream was to touch the sky and it became a reality after she quit engineering midway and joined an aviation academy in 2012.

The woman is from a tribal-dominated district and is all set to join a private airline as a co-pilot. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also congratulated Lakra for her achievement.

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"I am happy to learn about the success of Anupriya Lakra. The success achieved by her through dedicated efforts and perseverance is an example for many," Patnaik tweeted, wishing Anupriya more achievements as an able pilot.

She is the daughter of Mariniyas Lakra, a havildar in Odisha Police and Jamaj Yashmin Lakra, a homemaker. Anupriya completed her matriculation from a convent in Malkangiri and higher secondary school in Semiliguda.

With a passion of becoming a pilot, she quit her engineering studies in Bhubaneswar mid-way and prepared for pilot entrance test in Bhubaneswar, her father said. "We are very happy that her dream of becoming a pilot has now become a reality. She will be working as a co-pilot in a private airline," Mariniyas added.

She has been selected as a co-pilot in a private airline and is likely to fly abroad shortly.

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"It is a big achievement for somebody from a backward district like Malkangiri. Her success has come after seven years of hard work," her father said.

Her mother also said, "I am very happy. It is a matter of pride for the people of Malkangiri. Her success will inspire other girls."

It must be a really proud moment for her family. You go girl!