The Inspiring Story of Sarla Thukral: India's First Woman Solo Pilot

Sarla Thukral’s story is one of great determination and resilience, inspiring women across the globe. Born in New Delhi in 1914, she was married at 16 and moved to Lahore with her husband, who was also a pilot. Encouraged by her family and husband, Sarla enrolled in the Lahore Flying Club and obtained her aviation pilot’s license in 1936 at the young age of 21.

Sarla’s passion for flying was unstoppable, and she became the first Indian woman to obtain an ‘A’ license, completing her 1,000 hours of flying. She aimed for a ‘B’ license that would allow her to fly a commercial aircraft but could not achieve it due to the outbreak of World War II. Unfortunately, in 1939, her husband died in an airplane crash, and Sarla, a mother of two at 24, gave up her dream of becoming a commercial pilot.

Sarla, however, did not let her circumstances defeat her. She returned to Lahore and pursued a Diploma in Fine Arts at the Mayo School of Arts. After the partition, she moved to Delhi with her daughters, where she met RP Thukral, whom she married in 1948. Sarla continued to inspire many as she established herself as a successful designer, making costumes and jewelry, designing sarees, and painting for the National School of Drama. One of her clients was the 8th President of the United Nations General Assembly, Vijayalaxmi Pandit.

Disclaimer: This story is re-reported from the article originally published in News18 English.