In the annals of aviation history, certain names shine brightly as pioneers who shattered barriers and defied societal norms. Among these luminaries is Sarla Thukral, a name forever etched in the annals of Indian aviation as the nation’s trailblazing first female pilot. Her extraordinary odyssey, from a youthful dreamer to a triumphant aviator, stands as a compelling testament to her indomitable determination, fervent passion, and unwavering resolve to dismantle gender stereotypes.
Birthdate: 8th August 1914
Birthplace: Delhi
Born in 1914, Sarla Thukral achieved the remarkable feat of obtaining an aviation pilot’s license in 1936, at the tender age of 21, fearlessly taking to the skies solo in a Gypsy Moth. Her tenacity knew no bounds as she accumulated a thousand hours of flying experience under the banner of the Lahore Flying Club. Her marriage at the age of 16 to P.D. Sharma, hailing from a family boasting nine pilots, provided invaluable support and encouragement for her aspirations.
Sarla Thukral’s life story embodies courage and determination. While her husband, P.D. Sharma, became the first Indian to hold an airmail pilot’s license, Sarla herself blazed a trail in the world of aviation during a time when few women dared to dream of flying. She etched her name in history as one of the first Indian women to earn an A-license.
However, tragedy struck Sarla’s life in 1939 when her husband, P.D. Sharma, tragically lost his life in a plane crash. This devastating event could have deterred her, but Sarla’s spirit remained unbroken. She continued to harbor ambitions of becoming a commercial pilot, although these dreams were temporarily deferred due to the outbreak of World War II, which led to the suspension of civil aviation training.
With the responsibilities of raising her child and the need to support herself, Sarla embarked on a different path. She redirected her focus towards her artistic talents, returning to Lahore and enrolling at the Mayo School of Art. Here, she delved into the world of the Bengal School of Painting, nurturing her artistic prowess. Her unwavering dedication bore fruit as she earned a diploma in fine arts.
Sarla Thukral’s life imparts a profound lesson—setbacks cannot extinguish determination. She demonstrated that even in the face of adversity and unexpected turns, one can find new horizons. While her dream of becoming a commercial pilot remained unrealized, she soared to new heights in the realm of arts. Her narrative serves as a timeless reminder that with unwavering resilience, remarkable achievements can still be realized on one’s journey through life.