Udupi’s First Woman Commercial Pilot, Shiney Saldanha Earns Licence at 20

UDUPI, August 14, 2026: Shiney Saldanha, 20, has become the first woman from Udupi district to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), fulfilling a childhood ambition and opening the way for a career in commercial aviation.

A member of Kanajar Parish in the Diocese of Udupi, Saldanha recently completed the requirements for her CPL. Her achievement marks a milestone for women aspiring to enter the aviation sector and has drawn attention in her home district.

For Saldanha, becoming a pilot was a dream she had nurtured since childhood. The goal kept her focused through the demanding stages of pilot training, including periods of pressure and uncertainty.

“Becoming a pilot was my childhood dream, so that dream was always my biggest motivation,” she said. “The journey had many challenges, but the thought of seeing myself in the cockpit kept me focused.”

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Saldanha said her faith also helped her cope with the challenges of training. Prayer, she said, gave her peace and confidence whenever she faced difficult moments.

“My faith in God has always been an important part of my journey,” she said. “Whenever I felt nervous or things became challenging during my training, praying gave me peace and confidence. I believe God guided me throughout this journey and gave me the strength to keep moving forward.”

She also credited her parents for their constant encouragement and support, saying their belief in her abilities helped her remain committed to her goal.

Describing the completion of her CPL as one of the happiest moments of her life, Saldanha expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey.

“Today, I feel extremely happy and grateful to see my dream become a reality,” she said. “I am thankful to my parents, teachers, and everyone who has been a part of this beautiful journey.”

Saldanha hopes her achievement will encourage young people, particularly girls, to pursue careers and ambitions that may initially appear beyond their reach.

“Dream big and believe in yourself,” she said. “You don't have to wait for someone from your community to do it first. If you are passionate about something, work towards it with dedication and confidence. Your background should never decide how far you can go.”

With her CPL now in hand, Saldanha is preparing to take the next step towards a career in commercial aviation. Her journey, she hopes, will demonstrate that determination, faith, family support and sustained effort can help turn even ambitious childhood dreams into reality.

By Catholic Connect Reporter