Tika Chaudhary: Soaring Beyond Barriers as the First Woman Pilot from the Tharu Community
In the far western plains of Nepal, close to Dhangadhi Airport in Kailali, a young girl once paused her daily routines to look up at the sky. As airplanes flew low over her father’s farmland, taking off and landing just beyond the fields, that sight sparked a dream few from her background had ever imagined. That girl was Tika Chaudhary, and years later, her childhood aspiration has turned into a historic achievement. At just 21 years old, Tika has become the first woman pilot from the Tharu community, marking a significant milestone not only for her family but also for an entire community long underrepresented in aviation and technical professions.
A Childhood Dream Rooted in Everyday Life
Tika is the youngest daughter of Man Bahadur Chaudhary, a farmer whose land lies close to Dhangadhi Airport. For many, the daily sound of aircraft engines might fade into the background. For Tika, however, it became a source of inspiration. While helping her family in the fields, she would often watch airplanes glide across the sky. One day, she made a simple yet powerful declaration to her father: she wanted to become a pilot.
The statement initially took her father by surprise. Coming from a modest farming family, the idea of pilot training seemed financially unrealistic. Man Bahadur Chaudhary also worried about the risks associated with aviation, including the possibility of air crashes. Like many parents, he tried to steer his daughter away from what seemed like an impractical and dangerous ambition. Yet Tika’s resolve did not waver.
Determination That Changed a Father’s Mind
After completing her plus two in science from NAST College in Dhangadhi, Tika remained committed to her goal. She assured her father that she would work hard and urged him to explore ways to manage the financial burden. Gradually, her confidence and persistence convinced him. While Tika began searching for consultancies that could help her pursue pilot training abroad, her father started looking for ways to arrange funds, despite the economic strain it placed on the family.
This turning point reflects not only Tika’s determination but also the crucial role of parental support in breaking traditional and economic barriers. In a family with six children, including five daughters and one son, Man Bahadur Chaudhary chose to stand behind his daughter’s ambition, a decision he now describes as one of his proudest moments.
Training Abroad and a Historic Achievement
Tika Chaudhary is currently undergoing pilot training at Skyhawk Aviation in South Africa. Recently, she achieved a major milestone by obtaining her private pilot licence, making her the first woman from the Tharu community to do so. Although her training is not yet complete, this accomplishment alone has placed her name in the history of Nepali aviation.
To complete her course, Tika must log a total of 200 hours of flight time. At present, she has completed around half of that requirement and expects to finish the remaining hours within the next six months. A private pilot licence allows her to fly an aircraft solo, make independent decisions during challenging weather conditions, and carry up to two passengers on board. Among those passengers, she says, her father will be one of the first.
Challenges of the Sky and Strength of the Mind
Pilot training is widely regarded as physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Flying alone at high altitudes requires not only technical skill but also confidence and composure. Tika openly acknowledges the challenges but believes that determination is the key to overcoming them. According to her, fear and difficulty are part of the journey, but they should never define one’s limits.
Her story sends a powerful message to young women, particularly those from marginalized communities, that ambition paired with perseverance can defy social expectations and financial constraints.
Community Pride and Public Recognition
Tika’s achievement has resonated far beyond her immediate family. In Dhangadhi, Baatchit Ghar honoured her for making history and bringing pride to the Tharu community. Speaking at the programme, Thakur Kariya Pradhan of Baatchit Ghar praised Tika for enhancing the reputation of the entire community through her courage and accomplishment.
For the Tharu community, traditionally associated with agriculture and manual labor, Tika’s success represents a new horizon. It challenges stereotypes and opens doors for future generations to envision careers in fields once considered unattainable.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Tika Chaudhary’s journey from a farmland near Dhangadhi Airport to the cockpit of an aircraft is a story of vision, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. While her training is still ongoing, her achievement already stands as a symbol of possibility. She has shown that with persistence, family support, and self-belief, even the most distant dreams can take flight.
As Nepal continues to encourage inclusion and representation across professions, Tika’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that the sky is not the limit, but only the beginning.
