The Story of Sarla Thukra, a Trailblazer in Indian Aviation and Art

Sarla Thukral’s life is a testament to determination, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Born in 1914 in Delhi, she became one of the first Indian women to earn a pilot’s licence, an achievement that reflected her commitment to breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Her journey spanned multiple disciplines, including aviation, art, and business, and showcased her ability to navigate significant personal and historical challenges. This blog explores her multifaceted life and contributions, celebrating the legacy of a woman who left a lasting impact on Indian society.

Early Life and Marriage

Sarla was born into a progressive Punjabi family in 1914, an era when societal norms confined women to traditional roles. Despite these constraints, she was instilled with the value of education and ambition. At the age of 16, she married P. D. Sharma, who came from a family deeply involved in aviation. His family boasted nine pilots, and Sharma himself was a pioneering figure, being the first Indian to secure an airmail pilot’s licence. Her husband’s encouragement was instrumental in her aviation aspirations. Recognising her enthusiasm and potential, P. D. Sharma motivated Sarla to pursue flying—a bold endeavour for an Indian woman at the time.

Breaking Barriers in Aviation

In 1936, at just 21 years old, Sarla earned her “A” pilot’s licence, becoming one of the first Indian women to achieve this feat. Her training was conducted at the Lahore Flying Club, where she logged over 1,000 hours of flying on a Gypsy Moth, a light aircraft known for its agility and ease of use. Sarla’s accomplishment was revolutionary in pre-Independence India, a period when women were rarely seen in professional roles, let alone in aviation.

सरला ठकराल aged 21.

It is important to place her achievement in the broader context of Indian aviation history. While Sarla was among the earliest Indian women pilots, she was preceded by a few notable figures. Urmila Parikh was the first woman of Indian nationality to earn a licence in 1932. Sylla Petit née Tata, of the Tata industrial family, had technically been the first woman in British India to secure a licence in 1929, though she was of British nationality. Sarla’s success, however, was groundbreaking as she pursued her passion in a predominantly male field despite societal pressures.

A Sudden Shift: Tragedy and World War II

Sarla’s career took an abrupt turn in 1939 when her husband tragically died in an aviation accident. Determined to continue her journey, she applied to train for a commercial pilot’s licence. However, the outbreak of World War II halted civil aviation training, forcing Sarla to reconsider her career.

Widowed at 25 and with a young child to support, Sarla adapted to the changing circumstances. She returned to Lahore and enrolled at the Mayo School of Art, one of the most prestigious art institutions in India, known for its emphasis on the Bengal School of painting. Here, she honed her artistic skills, earning a diploma in fine arts. This period marked a significant transition in her life as she shifted from aviation to creative pursuits.

Sarla Thukra, a New Beginning After Partition

Her artistic journey blossomed further after the Partition of India in 1947, which forced her to relocate to Delhi with her two daughters. In 1948, Sarla remarried, tying the knot with R. P. Thakral, and embraced a new phase of her life. Her spiritual affiliation with the Arya Samaj, a reformist Hindu movement, supported her decision to remarry, a practice that was not widely accepted in traditional circles.

In Delhi, Sarla reinvented herself as a businesswoman and artist. She began designing clothes and costume jewellery, which became highly sought after. Her designs reflected a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern sensibilities, capturing the changing tastes of post-Independence India. Alongside her business ventures, she continued to paint, drawing from her training in the Bengal School and her life experiences.

Sarla’s work in art and design not only supported her family but also allowed her to contribute to India’s burgeoning cultural landscape. Her resilience and adaptability became a source of inspiration for countless women navigating the challenges of balancing professional aspirations with personal responsibilities. Sarla Thukral passed away in 2008, but her legacy endures. She is celebrated as a pioneer who paved the way for women in Indian aviation. Today, India boasts the highest percentage of female pilots in the world, with 15% of its pilots being women—a testament to the foundations laid by trailblazers like Sarla.

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