Sarla Thukral’s story is an inspiration. She was one of the first Indian women to fly solo and got her pilot license at 21. Born in 1914 in New Delhi, she married PD Sharma, also a pilot, at 16 and moved to Lahore. With strong support from her husband and his family, she pursued her dream of flying. Her father-in-law enrolled her in the Lahore Flying Club, and in 1936, she earned her pilot’s license, flying a Gypsy Moth solo.
Sarla Thukral’s journey is a testament to courage and breaking barriers at a time when few women were given the freedom to pursue their dreams. Born in New Delhi in 1914, Sarla grew up in a society where traditional roles were often set for women. However, she was destined for something extraordinary.At the age of 16, she married PD Sharma, a young pilot from Lahore. While many young women of her time focused on homemaking, Sarla was fortunate to have the encouragement of her husband and his family to chase her dreams. Her father-in-law, an aviation enthusiast, saw her potential and enrolled her in the Lahore Flying Club.Sarla’s heart was set on the skies. At 21, she accomplished what few women, and even fewer Indian women, could dream of—she earned her aviation pilot’s license in 1936 and flew solo in a Gypsy Moth, a single-engine biplane. This achievement not only made her one of India’s first female pilots but also inspired countless women to believe in their own abilities.But Sarla’s journey wasn’t limited to the skies. After her husband passed away, she faced a choice—to give up or keep going. She returned to India, where she continued her education, studied fine arts, and established herself as an artist and designer. She designed jewelry, painted, and found creative ways to support her family, proving her resilience time and time again.Sarla Thukral’s life was filled with reinvention and courage. From being one of India’s pioneering female pilots to a successful artist, her story is a reminder that when one has passion and courage, the sky truly has no limit.