Who Was India's First Woman Pilot?

In the early 20th century, when aviation was in its infancy and dominated by men, Sarla Thakral shattered the glass ceiling to become the first Indian woman to pilot an aircraft. Born in 1914 in New Delhi, Sarla's life was one of determination, grit, and a love for flying that opened doors for generations of women in aviation to follow.

Early Life and Inspiration

Sarla's introduction to aviation was through her marriage to P.D. Sharma at the age of 16. Her husband belonged to a family of pilots, having nine aviators, and was the first Indian to hold an airmail pilot's license. This brought her into contact with aviation, and with her husband's and father-in-law's encouragement, she started learning to fly from the Lahore Flying Club.

Also Read | Which Country Has the World's Largest Library?

Achievements in Aviation

In 1936, Sarla became only 21 years old when she received her "A" license after flying for more than 1,000 hours. This made her the first Indian female to fly solo in a Gypsy Moth plane. What is so interesting about her flights is that she used to fly wearing a saree, which reflects her cultural pride and refusal to be constrained by gender roles.

Sarla's zeal did not go beyond this point; she wished to acquire a commercial pilot license. But things were brought to a halt with World War II and the devastating death of her husband in an air accident in 1939. Despite such mishaps, Sarla's pioneering endeavor in aviation is a source of inspiration even today.

Transition to Arts and Entrepreneurship

After her husband's death, Sarla dedicated herself to the arts. She learned at the Mayo School of Art in Lahore, becoming competent in painting and textile design. Her business acumen made her develop a successful career in jewelry design. Her patrons were influential people like Vijayalakshmi Pandit, reflecting her versatility and talent.

Also Read | Which Forest is Known as the 'Lungs of Earth'?

Legacy

Sarla Thakral's legacy is far greater than her success. She broke the ground for women in Indian aviation, a sector that now has the largest percentage of female pilots in the world. Her determination and strength are an inspiration to women wanting to pursue careers in traditionally masculine fields.

In a time when societal expectations tended to limit the role of women, Sarla's refusal to let her dreams be deferred, whether in flight or the arts, is a testament to what can be done with passion and perseverance. Her life remains an inspiration to young women throughout India and the world, reminding them that no dream is too great to pursue.

Sarla Thakral's biography is a true testament to the strength of determination and resilience. From shattering barriers in aviation to being a master of the arts, her biography serves as a reminder that courage and a will to work can make anyone great. As India continues to celebrate its trailblazing women, Sarla Thakral's name is forever in history as a true trailblazer.

Also Read | Why Does NASA Release Half a Million Gallons of Water During Rocket Launches?