Wing Commander Rajalakshmi Prithviraj
Indian Air Force
- Commissioned on 18 June 2005 in the Education branch of the Indian Air Force, Wg Cdr Rajalakshmi Prithviraj is a Military Educationalist, Human Resource Developer and Strategy Planning Analyst by profession.
- She is a qualified Clinical Counselling Psychologist, Positive Educational Psychologist, Human Behaviour and Development Analyst, Psychotherapist, Master Life and Mindset Enabling Coach Communication Specialist, Curriculum Designer and Artist. She is also a Qualified Instructor in the Indian Air Force.
- In her professional capacity, she has been instrumental in overseeing capacity building initiatives and continuity training of personnel in IAF, students and staff at Air Force Schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas as well as families of air warriors.
- She has also contributed towards strengthening the mental health capabilities in units through workshops on Psychological First Aid and Gender Sensitisation.
- Wg Cdr Rajalakshmi is the first woman officer from the Education branch amongst the three services to have undergone the Air Staff Course at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
- Her appointments include Senior Education Officer in premier bases of Indian Air Force, key staff appointments in both Headquarters Western Air Command and Air Headquarters and the Directing Staff at Air Force Administrative College, Coimbatore.
- At present, she is the first woman officer from Education branch commanding an Airmen Selection Centre, overseeing the selection, testing and recruitment initiatives in her Area of Responsibility.
- For her contributions to the Indian Air Force she has been commended by Chief of the Air Staff in 2012 and the Vice Chief of the Air Staff in 2015.
- She has also been conferred with the ‘Veerangana’ Award by the Art and Rhythm Foundation for her contributions to helping War Widows and their children.
- A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, she is a published author, voracious reader, prolific writer, advocate of positive mental health as well as an experienced motivational speaker and life coach.
- Married to Late Squadron Leader V Manoj, who was killed in an aircraft accident in 2012. They are blessed with two daughters, Sharanya and Navya.
