[Bonus Episode]

This podcast episode, titled "The Flight of The Night Witches" from the "Stories of Honor" series, tells the story of the Soviet Night Witches, an all-female World War II squadron. Despite facing sexism and inadequate equipment, these women bravely flew dangerous nighttime bombing missions against the Nazis, achieving remarkable success.

Their story highlights their courage, resilience, and the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of women in wartime.

The episode also underscores their post-war marginalization while celebrating their legacy and the award of the Hero of the Soviet Union to it's 24 members.

More about Marina Raskova:

Marina Raskova (1912-1943) was a Soviet pilot, navigator, and commander who founded 3 renowned female air regiments during WWII.

Initially aspiring to be a musician, Raskova later pursued chemistry and eventually joined the Soviet Air Force as a draftswoman. In 1933, she became the first female navigator in the Air Force.

A celebrated pilot and navigator, she set numerous long-distance flight records, including the famous "Flight of the Rodina" with Polina Osipenko and Valentina Grizodubova. All three were awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union.

During WWII, despite facing resistance, Raskova successfully advocated for the formation of all-female aviation units. She personally commanded the 125th Bomber Regiment, equipping it with the best available aircraft.

Raskova tragically died in a plane crash in 1943. She was posthumously awarded the Order of Patriotic War 1st Class, and her regiments continued to serve throughout the war.

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6'th Feb. 2015 in Indian School, Bahrain - While interacting with Principals & Teachers

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Dr Kalam did many things in his life - He was a scientist, a leader, the President of India and a teacher. Of all these roles, the one that gave him the greatest joy was that of a teacher. For him, there was nothing as important as talking to the youth and telling them about the world of opportunities that awaited them if they pursued the right kind of knowledge. He spent much of his time in the years after he had completed his term as President, travelling all over the country, meeting students, interacting with them and listening to them.

29'th April 2015 in Dehradun City - While interacting with school students

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Dr Kalam did many things in his life - He was a scientist, a leader, the President of India and a teacher. Of all these roles, the one that gave him the greatest joy was that of a teacher. For him, there was nothing as important as talking to the youth and telling them about the world of opportunities that awaited them if they pursued the right kind of knowledge. He spent much of his time in the years after he had completed his term as President, travelling all over the country, meeting students, interacting with them and listening to them.

21'st July 2015 at Bijnor City - While interacting with students of the city

I am born with wings

So, I am not meant for crawling,

I have wings, I will fly.

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Dr Kalam did may things in his life - He was a scientist, a leader, the President of India and a teacher. Of all these roles, the one that gave him the greatest joy was that of a teacher. For him, there was nothing as important as talking to the youth and telling them about the world of opportunities that awaited them if they pursued the right kind of knowledge. He spent much of his time in the years after he had completed his term as President, travelling all over the country, meeting students, interacting with them and listening to them.