“Isn’t this a man’s job?’ That and many other words of criticism came my way when I decided to take up driving to sustain my family’s livelihood. I used to drop my three kids on a cycle, carrying all their school bags. That’s when I decided to move to a bigger vehicle. Auto was the most affordable and was also an investment. I could take other people and earn money. Initially, people wouldn’t get into my auto after seeing that the driver is a woman. It used to irritate me so much! I mean, how does it matter? I drive as good as any other man in town. I used to say the same thing to customers. The best thing is that my first few customers were all women. Other women chose to be driven by a female auto driver, for not just safety reasons but to support me as well. I was so touched.

Now, I’m almost a hero. I don’t want to seem like I’m boasting. But I’m proud of all that I have become. My resolve of earning a better life for the family remained strong all through these years. Surprisingly, despite being a ‘male profession’, driving has treated me well. One would think it’s not safe for a woman driver to be out late in the night on duty, whereas I’m helping other women go home safe. And everything here shuts down by 11 pm. On most days, I’m home much before that. But sometimes, I do work till 11.

Many women in my neighborhood have requested me to teach them to drive. It’s an extremely wonderful feeling to be an inspiration for other women who come from a similar background, financially and socially. The point is that today, I’m independent and can walk amongst working men including my husband and not feel any lesser than them. I also proudly drop my children in the auto today… Priceless feeling, I must say!”

#Breakingallodds #Vijayawada #Andhra #HumansOfAndhra