'A glamorous job, a handsome salary, an eye on the world...'

orking as an air-hostess has always been considered a career option for young women in urban India. But, now, Punjab's rural girls have demolished the perception.

Five years ago, it may have been unheard of but, today, courtesy a media and tube blitzkrieg, it seems to be the most natural thing on earth. 

At the Jalandhar branch of the Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training, there are plenty of such examples.

Neighbouring Dasuya's Anjali says, "I left engineering and opted to train as an air-hostess because I was convinced it would offer me more in every way, including job satisfaction, and I would be able to see the world."

Anjali, like many other girls living in peripheral villages, comes daily to the city to attend classes.

The Frankfinn Institute, yet to complete a year in Jalandhar, has got a huge response from rural youngsters. "It's true this profession is usually considered an option for urban girls, but the reality is that a number of girls and boys from villages are interested in signing up," says Frankfinn's Shalini Praveen.

Praveen says girls and boys with a rural background just need to work a little harder than their urban counterparts to gain a foothold in this job. "They are shy initially because their exposure to the world hasn't been the same, but they open up and learn as quickly," she says.

Despite stiff competition, the number of aspirants is increasing by the day. Praveen attributes it to awareness, primarily through the media. "Some time ago, people looked down upon it -- today, the applications tell another story," she says.

There are great prospects in the industry. "It offers excellent career opportunities," explains Mandeep Grover, who has been recently selected by Jet Airways. 

"My parents encouraged me to opt for it, and the training here has helped me immensely. Earlier, I hesitated talking with anyone but today I am confident and believe my entire personality has undergone a change for the better," she says.

Mandeep's father, Colonel Harbhajan Singh Grover, says, "I was delighted when Mandeep was selected."

Frankfinn has 30 centres around the world, one each in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. "A glamorous job, a handsome salary, an eye on the world -- what else could I have asked for," says Sharnjit Bhinder, who is all set to join Yemen Airways.