Sarla Thakral was a pioneering Indian aviator who made history by becoming the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft. She was born in 1914 and emerged as a symbol of courage, ambition, and women’s empowerment at a time when aviation was considered an exclusively male domain.
Sarla Thakral achieved her historic milestone in 1936, when she earned an ‘A’ License from the Lahore Flying Club, allowing her to fly solo. She was just 21 years old when she accomplished this remarkable feat. Dressed in a sari and determined to break social barriers, she proved that Indian women were equally capable of excelling in technical and adventurous fields.
Her journey, however, was marked by personal tragedy. Shortly after her success, her husband, P. D. Sharma—himself a pilot—passed away in a plane crash. Due to financial difficulties and lack of institutional support, Sarla Thakral could not continue her aviation career. Despite this setback, she refused to give up on life.
She later rebuilt her career as an artist and entrepreneur, becoming a successful businesswoman and designer. Through her resilience, she showed that courage is not limited to one achievement but is reflected in the ability to rise again after adversity.
Sarla Thakral is remembered as a trailblazer in Indian aviation and an inspiration for women across generations. Her life story highlights determination, dignity, and the power of dreams, reminding society that the sky is never the limit for those who dare to fly. ✈️