First Female Pilot in India

The First Female Pilot In India is Sarla Thakral. She got her aviation pilot license at the young age of 21 in 1936. Due to her passion and courage, She became the first lady pilot of India in a male-dominant Industry. She faced many hardships in life but was determined to achieve her goals. She had become a role model for many women across the world.

First Female Pilot in India

In this article, we have described the early life and education of Sarla Thakral- The First Female Pilot of India in detail below.

Early Life of the First Female Pilot of India- Sarla Thakral

Sarla Thakral was born on 8 Aug, 1914 in Delhi. Her interest in flight started at an early age, ignited by her attachment to other’s stories of flying. She married to PD. Sharma at the early age of 16. Unfortunately, She became a widow at the young age of 16, yet this didn’t deflect her soul towards his goal.

In 1936, when she was 21 years old, she became the first Indian woman to obtain an aviation license.

Sarla Thakral made her proficiency in the air by demonstrating exceptional control and poise during her solo flight. She kept on motivating through her enthusiasm, showing that orientation was no hindrance to accomplishing one’s fantasies. Her inheritance perseveres as an image of boldness, assurance, and the boundless capability of Indian ladies.

Aviation Achievements

Sarla Thakral’s aeronautics accomplishments were exceptional, as she resisted cultural standards and prepared herself to fly as a pilot in India by breaking social myths and standards. Her husband, P.D. Sharma was the first Indian to to have an airmail pilot’s license, and Sarla herself was a woman pioneer in aviation. Her notable accomplishments include the following:

1. Flying Permit:

Sarla Thakral became the first Indian woman to obtain a pilot’s license in 1936 when she was 21 years old. In a time when female employment was frequently restricted to formal settings, this achievement was significant.

2. Solo Flight:

During her preparation, Thakral finished her most memorable performance flight, displaying her astounding expertise and assurance. Her effective performance flight featured her obligation to break boundaries and oppose orientation generalizations. She aspired to become a commercial pilot, but due to World War II, Civil aviation training was suspended during that time.

3. Planning and Building Airplanes:

Sarla Thakral demonstrated her inventive spirit by designing and building aircraft models in addition to flying. Her success in the design of aeroplanes demonstrated her multidisciplinary approach to flying.

4. Motivation to Ladies:

Numerous Indian women were encouraged by Thakral’s accomplishments to pursue their dreams regardless of societal constraints. The idea that aviation was only for men was questioned by her journey.

5. Women Empowerment:

Through her achievements, Sarla Thakral engaged ladies to have confidence in their capacities. Her story encouraged women to break the social standards and choose their dream path. From being India’s first female pilot to her huge commitment to flight, Sarla Thakral became the role model for lakhs of women in India.

Harships Faced

Sarla Thakral got married at an early age of 16 to PD Sharma. Unfortunately, Sarla’s husband, P.D. Sharma, died in a plane crash in 1939. Despite being sad and depressed, she continued her passion for the aviation journey.

Sarla wanted to get her commercial pilot license, but due to World War 2, all civil training was suspended. She had to abandon her plans as she had kids to raise.

Sarla’s Solo Flight Triumph

Sarla’s journey reached a turning point with her solo flight. She took to the skies all alone, showing her capability as a pilot through excellent control and expertise. This courageous act established her status as a trailblazer and demonstrated that women were more than capable of excelling in aviation- a field dominated by men, in addition to demonstrating her aviation prowess.

Sarla Explores Aircraft Design

Sarla’s enthusiasm for avionics went past flying. She dug into airplane planning and designing, a region generally neglected by ladies at that point. She used her creative mind and dedication to plan and assemble airplane models, showcasing her skills in multiple fields and her eagerness to take on new challenges.

Sarla Thakral studied at Mayo School of Art in Lahore, where she learnt about Bengal School of Painting.

Legacy

She set the legacy for lakhs of women by flying a plane in 1936, at 21 years of age. Moreover, she was the first Indian lady to get a permit to fly business airplanes. Her story motivated so many women to pursue their dream regardless of social barriers.

When she couldn’t pursue commercial flying she continued her journey in the world of arts and earner Diploma in Arts, demonstrating her resolve and refusal to give in to life’s hardships.

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First Female Pilot in India – FAQs

1. Who is first female pilot in India?

Sarla Thakral was the first lady pilot in India. She got her pilot’s permit in 1936 at age of 21.

2. In which year did Sarla Thukral get her pilot license?

Sarla Thukral get her pilot license in the year 1936.

3. Who is the first woman pilot in indian army?

Captain Abhilasha Barak, a 26 year old girl from Haryana is the First Woman pilot to join the Indian Army.

4. Who is the first female pilot of indian navy?

Lt. Shubhangi Swaroop (born 17 January 1995) in Tilhar Uttar Pradesh is the first female pilot of the Indian Navy.

5. Who is the first female muslim pilot in India?

Sania Mirza ( from Uttar Pradesh) is the first female Muslim pilot in the Indian Air Force.

6. Who is the first female pilot in the world?

Raymonde de Laroche is the first female pilot in the world. She is a former Parisian stage actress, became the first licensed female pilot in the world.