Major Prajakta Desai Interview
"One moment that stays etched in my heart was after my first TEDx talk at NSUT Delhi. A young cadet approached me and emotionally said, “Ma’am, today I saw my dream in flesh and blood. "
Q. You were the first woman UAV Observer Pilot in the Indian Army — what challenges and milestones defined that journey?
While I was amongst the first women to be inducted into the Army Aviation Corps as an Air Traffic Controller in one of its early batches post-2009, I was also privileged to later become the first woman UAV Observer Pilot.My journey has been deeply shaped by the responsibilities that come with being part of a pioneering cohort.
When you’re among the first, you don’t just perform a role, you help define it. Every decision, every action sets a precedent for those who follow. That sense of responsibility was both an honour and a constant reminder to carry myself with clarity, composure and conviction.
When you’re among the first, you don’t just perform a role, you help define it. Every decision, every action sets a precedent for those who follow. That sense of responsibility was both an honour and a constant reminder to carry myself with clarity, composure and conviction.
The pressure wasn’t just about getting the job done but it was about doing it right, because others were watching, learning and building on that foundation.
Being part of something so new meant that structures, rules, and even mindsets were still evolving. At times, I had to assert not only operational clarity but also educate, collaborate and constructively guide those around me.
Being part of something so new meant that structures, rules, and even mindsets were still evolving. At times, I had to assert not only operational clarity but also educate, collaborate and constructively guide those around me.
Standing one’s ground with professionalism, especially in high-stakes operational environments, was a key part of our role and doing so with grace and firmness became essential.
It wasn’t always easy but that’s what made it meaningful. It wasn’t just a personal milestone it was collective progress and I feel fortunate to have contributed to shaping that legacy for the women officers who came after us.
It wasn’t always easy but that’s what made it meaningful. It wasn’t just a personal milestone it was collective progress and I feel fortunate to have contributed to shaping that legacy for the women officers who came after us.
Q. How did you navigate the transition from high-stakes military operations to leading teams in the corporate world at Amazon?
The transition from military zones to conference rooms was both humbling and empowering. At Amazon, I led operations with team members, where KPIs replaced operational orders, and leadership had a different language.But the Army had instilled in me something invaluable; adaptability under pressure, clarity over chaos, decision making ability and people-first leadership apart from many other qualities
I approached Amazon’s fast-paced, data-driven world the same way I approached any high-altitude military mission. Preparing relentlessly, staying mission focused, and never letting chaos shake my composure.
I approached Amazon’s fast-paced, data-driven world the same way I approached any high-altitude military mission. Preparing relentlessly, staying mission focused, and never letting chaos shake my composure.
What truly helped was understanding that leadership whether in uniform or in a corporation is about building trust, owning responsibility and driving results with empathy.
The Army didn’t just train me to lead it to shape who I am today. From the very beginning we are assessed and moulded through the 15 Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) which are more than just a checklist they become our second nature.
Q. What core lessons from your Army career shape your leadership as a motivational speaker and coach today?
And now as a motivational speaker and leadership coach I find myself drawing from those very same qualities every single day.
For instance, power of expression has become my biggest strength on stage. The ability to articulate thoughts with clarity and impact isn’t just important, it’s transformational.
Self-Confidence rooted not in ego but in experience gives me the presence to stand in front of diverse audiences from cadets to CEOs and hold space with authenticity.
And above all, the Ability to Influence the Group that’s what speaking is really about: leaving people a little stronger, a little clearer and a little more inspired than they were before.
These are not just lessons from my past. They are living tools that continue to guide me in my second innings helping me lead through words, just as I once did through actions.
And above all, the Ability to Influence the Group that’s what speaking is really about: leaving people a little stronger, a little clearer and a little more inspired than they were before.
These are not just lessons from my past. They are living tools that continue to guide me in my second innings helping me lead through words, just as I once did through actions.
Q. Having delivered talks at IITs, IIMs, and TEDx, which audience interaction has been most memorable and why?
One moment that stays etched in my heart was after my first TEDx talk at NSUT Delhi. A young cadet approached me and emotionally said, “Ma’am, today I saw my dream in flesh and blood.If you could break so many barriers, maybe I can, too.” That moment reminded me that impact isn’t measured in applause, it's in the silent shift of someone’s self-belief.
Every audience, whether IIT students or Amazon employees, brings a different energy. But what unites them is the hunger for real stories, for raw truth. And I bring that as someone who’s stood at the edge of both military and boardrooms.
The media, to me, is a platform of purpose. Whether it’s The Ranveer Show or Republic TV, I use these stages not to highlight achievements, but to spark conversations on leadership, gender equity, animal welfare and mental health. I believe resilience is a language and the media gives it volume.
I also consciously use social platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with youth, Armed Forces aspirants and women leaders. Through every interview and post, I aim to normalize strength, struggle, self-reinvention and inspire people to be their best versions
Both come from a deep sense of duty and empathy. I’ve walked the road of SSB preparation, NCC training and breaking military stereotypes. I mentor aspirants not because I have to but because I wish someone had done it for me.
As for animals, I believe life is incomplete without compassion. My rescue work began as a child with one animal and became a mission. Animals are voiceless citizens and rescuing them brings me a peace that no medal or stage can.
Every audience, whether IIT students or Amazon employees, brings a different energy. But what unites them is the hunger for real stories, for raw truth. And I bring that as someone who’s stood at the edge of both military and boardrooms.
Q. Your story has been featured on national platforms like TRS and India Today — how do you use media to amplify your message of resilience?
The media, to me, is a platform of purpose. Whether it’s The Ranveer Show or Republic TV, I use these stages not to highlight achievements, but to spark conversations on leadership, gender equity, animal welfare and mental health. I believe resilience is a language and the media gives it volume.I also consciously use social platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with youth, Armed Forces aspirants and women leaders. Through every interview and post, I aim to normalize strength, struggle, self-reinvention and inspire people to be their best versions
Q. What drives your passion for mentoring Armed Forces aspirants and running animal rescue initiatives alongside your professional work?
Both come from a deep sense of duty and empathy. I’ve walked the road of SSB preparation, NCC training and breaking military stereotypes. I mentor aspirants not because I have to but because I wish someone had done it for me.
As for animals, I believe life is incomplete without compassion. My rescue work began as a child with one animal and became a mission. Animals are voiceless citizens and rescuing them brings me a peace that no medal or stage can.
It balances my life between discipline and devotion. Creating awareness of animal cruelty and working for their survival has become my purpose in life.
The Ahilyadevi Holkar National Award remains closest to my heart because it honors fearless womanhood grounded in service. It wasn’t just about being a soldier, a speaker, or a corporate leader it was about embodying the spirit of transformation.
Every award I’ve received symbolizes a chapter of struggle, courage and quiet wins. But to me the real reward lies in those DMs of girls from small towns who say, “Ma’am , because of your stories, I didn’t give up and found my purpose.”
Q. You’ve received prestigious awards for your impact — which recognition means the most to you, and what does it symbolize personally?
The Ahilyadevi Holkar National Award remains closest to my heart because it honors fearless womanhood grounded in service. It wasn’t just about being a soldier, a speaker, or a corporate leader it was about embodying the spirit of transformation.Every award I’ve received symbolizes a chapter of struggle, courage and quiet wins. But to me the real reward lies in those DMs of girls from small towns who say, “Ma’am , because of your stories, I didn’t give up and found my purpose.”
Bio
Major Prajakta Desai is a name synonymous with courage, conviction, and transformation. From defending the nation in uniform to inspiring the next generation as a speaker, mentor, and corporate leader, her story is a living example of resilience, reinvention, and purpose-driven leadership.
An Army Aviation Veteran and the first woman UAV Observer Pilot in the Indian Army, she served the nation for over a decade—spearheading operations from the Kashmir Valley to the Siliguri Corridor, and taking charge as an Air Traffic Controller during high-stakes national emergencies.
A trained skydiver, mountaineer, flyer, and hot air balloonist, her appetite for challenge goes beyond borders and titles.
After transitioning from military service, she joined Amazon India as an Operations Manager, exemplifying adaptability and operational acumen in the corporate world. Her seamless switch from combat zones to boardrooms is both rare and remarkable.
Today, she is one of India’s most engaging motivational speakers and leadership coaches. A 6-time TEDx speaker and Josh Talks speaker, Major Desai has delivered keynote sessions across prestigious platforms, including:
IIM Kashipur, IIM Sirmaur, NSUT Delhi, MITE, VIT Mumbai, and Sharda University
Leadership talks for Amazon India, HDFC Bank, SBI, Piramal Finance, and others
Motivational mentoring for NCC cadets, SSB aspirants, and students across IITs, IIMs, and top universities
Her insights and life story have resonated across India’s biggest media platforms. She has been featured on:
The Ranveer Show (TRS)
Humans of Bombay
The Gaurav Arya Show (Republic TV)
Republic Bharat and India Today as a Defence & Aviation Expert
Lokmat Sakhi (full-length Marathi feature episode)
Marathi podcast with a popular actress (YouTube)
In recognition of her impact and service, she has been honored with:
Ahilya Devi Holkar National Award (2022)
100 Most Influential Women of 2025 by the Indian National Bar Association
Valiant Fame Icon – National Award for Excellence (2025)
Off stage, she runs animal rescue initiatives, reflecting her ethos of empathy, responsibility, and social change. Her commitment to mentoring Armed Forces aspirants in personality development and interview preparation has created a ripple effect across the country.
Whether in uniform, on stage, or in society—Major Prajakta Desai continues to champion leadership that is authentic, inclusive, and inspiring.
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Interviewed by Ishika Ahuja
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