The Sky Was Always Hers : Dhira Chaliha Hazarika’s Second Takeoff at 85!
At 85, when most people slow down, Dhira Chaliha Hazarika chose to soar again. Assam’s first woman pilot, an inspiration who first earned her wings in 1961, recently returned to the cockpit of a World War II-era Tiger Moth aircraft in the United Kingdom. Her nostalgic flight took her over the picturesque landscapes of Berkshire and the River Thames, reminding her of the skies she once conquered over Assam and the mighty Brahmaputra.The Childhood of a DreamerBorn in 1940 in Jorhat, Assam, Dhira grew up in a time when opportunities for women were limited, especially in unconventional fields like aviation. Yet, her childhood was filled with curiosity and courage. She recalls climbing trees in her backyard to watch warplanes of the Burma Campaign during World War II. In those moments, her fascination with flying took root. Her father, Kamaleshwar Chaliha, played a defining role in shaping her journey. Unlike many parents of the time, he encouraged his daughter to dream beyond societal restrictions. The Sky Chose HerIn 1959, just over a decade after India’s independence, an advertisement in the Assam Tribune announced six fully funded scholarships for pilot training. While her mother was hesitant, Dhira’s father wasted no time in encouraging her to apply. That decision changed the course of her life. She joined the Assam Flying Club at Guwahati’s Jalukbari airport, beginning rigorous training in Tiger Moths and Pushpaks. Despite the challenges of limited technology, unpredictable weather, and societal skepticism, Dhira pressed on with determination. In 1961, at the age of 21, Dhira achieved what no Assamese woman had before: she earned her Pilot’s A Licence. Her first solo flight was a historic milestone. As she lifted into the skies, navigating between Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, and Shillong, villagers in Azara gathered to witness her landing. They were not just watching a plane touch down; they were witnessing history—the first Assamese woman pilot proving that the skies belonged to her too.When Duty Outweighed DreamsDhira’s dream was to become a commercial pilot, but the path was not easy. She tried hard to secure a commercial license, but societal expectations and family responsibilities interrupted her journey. Two years after earning her license, she married Kamal Hazarika and moved to London. Though she attempted to continue flying abroad, family commitments took precedence. She made a choice that many women of her generation were compelled to make: to prioritize family over career. Looking back, she says she has no regrets, yet acknowledges that her aviation dreams were left partially unfulfilled.A Second TakeoffMore than six decades later, Dhira returned to the cockpit, flying once again in a Tiger Moth, the same type of aircraft she trained on in her youth. Sitting beside Captain John Towell, a former British Airways pilot, she relived the thrill of her younger days. This particular Tiger Moth was no ordinary aircraft; it had been featured in Hollywood films like The King’s Speech and Thunderbirds. As the plane cruised over England’s rolling countryside, Dhira felt the same freedom she once experienced over Assam. Even at 85, Dhira’s heart beats for aviation. She is currently writing her autobiography, documenting her years in the sky and her journey as Assam’s first woman pilot.Through her book and her recent flight, she continues to inspire new generations, especially young women, to pursue their passions relentlessly.An Icon of Women’s EmpowermentDhira’s life is more than just a personal achievement; it is a ray of hope of possibility. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, when women were often confined to traditional roles, she dared to challenge norms and carve a new path. Her story relates deeply with young dreamers today. She reminds us that opportunities may be rare, but with courage and support, boundaries can be broken. Her father’s belief in her, combined with her determination, gave Assam and India a pioneering aviator whose story still inspires six decades later. She represents the countless women whose ambitions were paused by circumstance but whose spirit remains unbroken. Her story is a reminder that passion never ages and that the human will to chase dreams can outlast even the longest of interruptions.