Prem Mathur (1910 – 1992)

Breaking Barriers in Aviation

Prem Mathur made history in 1947 as the first Indian woman to obtain a commercial pilot's license and fly for Deccan Airways, a landmark achievement that broke gender barriers in aviation. In a field dominated by men, she proved that ambition and determination had no limits. By becoming India’s first female commercial pilot, Mathur not only challenged societal norms but also paved the way for women to enter professions previously considered off-limits. Her courage and commitment to her craft inspired generations of women to pursue careers in aviation and other traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Starting her career at the age of 38, Mathur faced significant hurdles, including rejections from eight different airlines. However, her resilience led her to Deccan Airways in Hyderabad, where she made her mark. In 1949, Mathur achieved another milestone by winning the National Air Race, a significant accomplishment in her aviation career. Her legacy is one of perseverance, breaking barriers, and demonstrating that with passion and hard work, women can succeed in any field, even one as challenging as aviation.