The L’Aéro magazine (a French aviation magazine), in its 67th edition, issued on 9 December 1909, very appropriately quoted, “The triumph of aerial locomotion will be the work of women!”
Today, decades later, the statement still stands true, with many women having succeeded as pilots and many others who have succeeded in aviation as entrepreneurs. Pragati Srivastava, is one such seasoned aviation professional with over 17 years of diverse experience spanning across roles in the aviation industry. It is her expertise in the aviation sector which culminated in establishing her as the Founder & CEO of Eresha Technology Innovators, and eventually also as the Co-Founder of Air Bharath – a brand under Eresha Technology Innovators. She strives to drive innovation in VR/AI-based Aviation training and elevate India’s safety rankings by strengthening overall flight safety preparedness. A woman with many feathers in her hat, she is also a published author and trainer.
Quote – “Stay curious and embrace learning, even from failures.”
Ques. When did you get the Big Idea to become independent – in starting a cutting-edge virtual reality training program?
The challenges in traditional aviation training were always apparent to me as I was a part of the
industry. However, encountering cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality and machine learning opened my eyes to their immense potential in addressing these pain points. This vision extended beyond solving immediate challenges—it was about elevating India’s safety rankings and strengthening overall flight safety preparedness. That realization sparked the vision for ETI—a platform designed to bridge the gaps in conventional training methods through immersive, scalable, and impactful solutions powered by modern technology.
Ques. How easy or tough has it been for you, as a woman entrepreneur, to set up and promote your business?
I had often heard about stereotypes in business for women, but my personal journey has been one of immense support. From receiving funding from the Ministry of Electronics to working with my team, partners, and clients, and being mentored by the best in the industry, I’ve never faced bias for being a woman. However, being a mother, I’ve felt the inevitable “mom guilt,” even during short absences. Thankfully, my family and husband have been my strongest pillars, cushioning my absence and playing a big role in my journey. Their unwavering support is integral to the vision I hold for ETI.
Ques. How do you find competition in your business area?
The aviation training space is evolving, with increasing interest in VR/AI-based solutions. While competition exists, we differentiate ourselves through deep industry understanding, tailored solutions, and a strong focus on analytics. Our USP lies in addressing specific client pain points with precision, thus positioning us as a preferred partner for airlines, airports, in India and internationally.
Ques. How has the support of friends and family played a role in your being a successful entrepreneur?
My friends and family have been my unwavering pillars of strength throughout this journey. Their belief in my vision has kept me grounded and motivated, especially during challenging times. My husband and elder sister are my go-to people whenever I face a problem or need clarity. My sister has been my role model since childhood—I’ve always followed her advice blindly, and even today, her insights guide me through the toughest decisions.
My husband, on the other hand, is my biggest critique and greatest supporter. His unfiltered yet honest perspective pushes me to think deeper and helps me uncover solutions to any challenge. No matter how tough or complicated a situation may be, I know he will always stand by me and find a way to make everything right.
Equally central to my journey are my mother and mother-in-law, who are always there for my child. Their presence ensures that my child is safe, cared for, and loved, allowing me to work without worry or guilt. This gives me the peace of mind to focus on my work. In totality, my family’s encouragement and contributions have been the foundation of my success.
Ques. How do you bring about a work-life balance?
Honestly, I’m still figuring it out. What I’ve realized is that deliberately striving for a perfect work-life balance often adds more stress, especially in the unpredictable world of a startup and with a young child at home. Instead, I focus on taking each day—or even each moment—as it comes. I prioritize the most important task at hand and give it my full attention, while others can be delayed or delegated. Rather than balance, I believe in aiming for work-life harmony, where both aspects coexist fluidly, adapting to life’s dynamic demands.
Ques. What is the road ahead in 2025?
Our goal for 2025 is to constantly innovate and disrupt ourselves to ensure we deliver nothing but the best to the aviation industry. We aim to diversify by partnering with more domestic and international airlines, enhancing their training programs, and upskilling their workforce. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with training institutions dedicated to imparting cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology and its knowledge to their students. At the heart of our efforts is a commitment to improving flight safety—for your family and mine—while continuing to set new benchmarks in immersive learning and analytics.
Ques. Any tips for someone starting out today?
Stay curious and embrace learning, even from failures. Build a strong network of mentors and peers who inspire growth and whom you can go to in case of doubts. Always align your work with a clear purpose—passion and persistence are the keys to navigating challenges. Most importantly, believe in your vision, even when others don’t. If you feel it from your gut, go for it!
linkedin.com/in/pragatisrivastava-eti
website:
www.eresha.in
www.airbharath.tech
7760991533
Avtar Madan
Poonam Sinha
Ruby Sinha
