Who was the first Indian citizen to obtain a commercial pilot's licence, later becoming a pioneer of Indian civil aviation?

Introduction / Context:
Indian aviation history includes a few landmark firsts, such as the first commercial pilot's licence obtained by an Indian citizen. This achievement laid the foundation for the growth of civil aviation in the country. Examinations often highlight such pioneering personalities to test your awareness of technological and industrial development in India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the first Indian citizen to get a commercial pilot's licence.
• The options are Vijaypat Singhania, J.R.D.Tata, Captain Gopinath, and Vijay Mallya.
• We assume the question follows the widely accepted historical record.

Concept / Approach:
Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata (J.R.D. Tata) was the first licensed commercial pilot of India. He later founded Tata Airlines, which eventually became Air India, and is considered a pioneer of Indian civil aviation. The other names are linked with business, aviation entrepreneurship, or aviation sports achievements, but they are not the first holders of a commercial pilot's licence in India.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question is about ‘‘first commercial pilot's licence’’ in India. Step 2: Recall that J.R.D. Tata is celebrated as the father of Indian civil aviation and flew the first commercial flight of Tata Airlines. Step 3: Understand that Vijay Mallya and Captain Gopinath are associated with airline ownership or low-cost carriers, not with this early personal licensing milestone. Step 4: Note that Vijaypat Singhania is known for aviation-related records but not for being the first licensed commercial pilot in India. Step 5: Select ‘‘J.R.D.Tata’’ as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Tata group histories and Indian aviation records repeatedly state that J.R.D. Tata received India's first pilot licence. He also famously flew a Puss Moth aircraft carrying mail between Karachi and Bombay in 1932, marking the beginning of commercial air operations for Tata Airlines. This consistent mention confirms his pioneering role.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vijaypat Singhania: Known for ballooning records and as an industrialist, but not as the first commercial pilot in India.
Captain Gopinath: Founder of Air Deccan, a pioneer of low-cost aviation, but not the first commercial pilot licence holder.
Vijay Mallya: Businessman and former airline owner, but not recorded as the first licensed commercial pilot.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse business founders with pioneers in technical achievements. While several businessmen have owned or launched airlines, the question here is about who personally held the first commercial pilot licence. Remembering J.R.D. Tata as both a business leader and a pilot helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
The first Indian citizen to obtain a commercial pilot's licence was J.R.D.Tata.