Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Doomdooma: In a proud moment for Assam, Shivangi Sonowal from Dangari village in Tinsukia district has emerged as the first woman from the state to graduate as a Fire Engineer from the National Fire Service College (NFSC), Nagpur.
The achievement is being hailed as a major milestone for Assam, particularly in a field where female representation remains limited due to the demanding academic and physical requirements involved.
Shivangi, the daughter of Jitul Sonowal and Banti Handique Sonowal, earned her BTech degree in Fire Engineering from the National Fire Service College, a premier institution operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The college is regarded as one of the country’s leading centres for education and training in fire safety, disaster management and emergency response.
Securing admission to the programme is highly competitive. Candidates are required to qualify through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) and satisfy strict physical fitness criteria. In 2022, Shivangi successfully navigated the rigorous selection process, reportedly competing against hundreds of applicants from across the country for a limited number of seats.
The four-year programme combines engineering education with extensive practical and physical training, preparing students for careers in fire prevention, industrial safety and emergency management. Shivangi completed the course and was conferred the degree during the institution’s convocation ceremony held on May 29.
Her accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as she is reported to be the first Assamese woman to attain the qualification, breaking new ground in a specialised profession traditionally dominated by men.
Adding to her success, Shivangi secured a job offer through the college’s campus recruitment programme during her final semester. She has reportedly been placed with a gas-based company, marking the beginning of her professional career in the field.
News of her achievement has been met with widespread appreciation in her hometown and beyond. Residents, community organisations and well-wishers have congratulated her, describing her journey as an inspiration for young students across Assam.
Many have also highlighted her success as a powerful example for young women aspiring to pursue careers in technical and unconventional fields, demonstrating that dedication and perseverance can open doors to opportunities in even the most challenging professions.