Machines don't see gender; they see your strength, says Surekha Yadav, who has been driving India's trains for over three decades. Earlier this week, Ms. Yadav bade farewell to her job after 36 years of service, retiring as India's first female train driver.
Over the years, she has operated a variety of trains across the length and breadth of India, sometimes navigating challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. Today, there are more than 2,000 female train operators in the Indian Railways, but Ms. Yadav took up the job at a time when it was uncommon for women to explore this profession.
Born in 1965 in a small town in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms. Yadav comes from a farming family and is the eldest of five siblings. Her parents always encouraged her to put her studies first, despite their modest background.
After completing her education as an electrical engineer, she spotted a newspaper advertisement by the Indian Railways looking for assistant train drivers, not realizing she was stepping into a male-dominated territory. Her initial years were marked by challenges, but her determination kept her going.
Throughout her career, she operated under unpredictable conditions, worked through two pregnancies, and even mentored many aspiring female train operators. As she retired driving the prestigious Rajdhani Express, she received a touching farewell from her colleagues, highlighting the groundbreaking role she has played in reshaping gender roles within Indian Railways.
Reflecting on her journey, she expresses the hope that her career serves as an inspiration to others: 'I never imagined I'd drive trains till I became 60.'
Over the years, she has operated a variety of trains across the length and breadth of India, sometimes navigating challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. Today, there are more than 2,000 female train operators in the Indian Railways, but Ms. Yadav took up the job at a time when it was uncommon for women to explore this profession.
Born in 1965 in a small town in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms. Yadav comes from a farming family and is the eldest of five siblings. Her parents always encouraged her to put her studies first, despite their modest background.
After completing her education as an electrical engineer, she spotted a newspaper advertisement by the Indian Railways looking for assistant train drivers, not realizing she was stepping into a male-dominated territory. Her initial years were marked by challenges, but her determination kept her going.
Throughout her career, she operated under unpredictable conditions, worked through two pregnancies, and even mentored many aspiring female train operators. As she retired driving the prestigious Rajdhani Express, she received a touching farewell from her colleagues, highlighting the groundbreaking role she has played in reshaping gender roles within Indian Railways.
Reflecting on her journey, she expresses the hope that her career serves as an inspiration to others: 'I never imagined I'd drive trains till I became 60.'
