“My name is Chittaranjan, and I come from a small village called Sunushiphai in Bishnupur District, Manipur. Growing up, my father worked in a semi-government office but later switched to farming, where he still grows paddy today. My mother is a homemaker, and in her spare time, she sews clothes and works with handlooms. We didn’t have much, but we had hard work and dedication in our home.
I began my education in Manipur and then moved to Dehradun to pursue a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. But after some time, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I dropped out and went back to Manipur to study Manipuri literature instead. During my final year, I decided I wanted to explore new areas and learn new skills, so I signed up for a six-month certification course in Aviation, Customer Service, Travel, and Tourism. After completing the course, I saw an opening at IndiGo for a role in the Airport Operations and Customer Services (AOCS) department, applied, and got the job.
Training took me to Gurgaon and Delhi, and in February 2023, I was posted in Hyderabad. I work in ticketing, baggage handling, arrivals, and check-in. The best part of my job is helping people. Every passenger comes with their own unique situation, and while the challenges are many, the joy of solving their problems and seeing them off with a smile makes it all worth it. Some people might think a job in AOCS isn’t as important as being a pilot, but I believe every job has its value. There’s no small or big job-it’s all about passion and dedication. For me, serving others is the greatest form of service, and being part of the IndiGo team lets me do just that. I also admire how IndiGo promotes equal opportunities, for everyone.
Music has always been my passion. I wrote my first single in 2021, and my family and friends have supported me throughout my music journey. They always encouraged me to take my time and make sure I was pursuing it for the right reasons. I enjoy all kinds of music, and lately, I’ve been enjoying Telugu music. I know there’s a gap between my job and my passion for music, but I won’t stop pursuing it. Right now, I’m focused on learning and practicing because I want to create something meaningful. Life is like a stage-you can’t rush it. I believe in learning throughout life, and that’s how I approach my music. Even when I face challenges, music is my constant companion. It’s something that doesn’t depend on anything else, and that’s what keeps me going.
One of my biggest inspirations is Tapta, a legendary singer from Manipur. His music speaks to me on a deep level, and I always find myself turning to his work when I need motivation.
Hyderabad is a city that’s constantly evolving, and I’ve enjoyed exploring it. I’ve visited places like Charminar and Hussain Sagar Lake, and of course, I love Hyderabadi biryani. The people here are so warm and welcoming, and I’ve come to appreciate their culture and food. But I do miss the food from home—like eromba, ooti, and kangshoi from Manipur. I think there’s a lot of untapped potential for tourism in Manipur, with its stunning landscapes that remind me of places like Switzerland or Austria.
To my people back in Manipur, I want to say that I’m sorry I can’t be there right now. Things are tough, and being far away makes it hard for me to support my community, especially my mother. I hope they can forgive me. To anyone who wants to join the aviation industry, my advice is simple: be friends with the mirror. How you carry yourself, your body language, and how approachable you are matter a lot. And most importantly, always wear a smile. People need to feel that you’re ready to help.
Every step I take—whether in my job in the aviation industry or with music—feels like part of my bigger journey, and I’m grateful to keep moving forward.”
– Chittaranjan Oinam, Artist & AOCS employee with @IndiGo6E