Meet the First Woman Bus Driver Of Jammu & Kashmir
Pooja Devi is the first woman bus driver in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. See the video to know more about her.
Pictures of a woman driving a bus in Jammu and Kashmir had taken the internet by storm. Pooja Devi is the first woman bus driver in the state. According to an India Today report, Pooja is in her thirties and is the mother of three children. She took it upon herself to break the stereotype and ferried passengers on the Jammu-Kathua route for the first time in December 2020. Pooja Devi said, "I always wanted to become a bus or truck driver. I always dreamt of driving heavy vehicles since I was a kid. I come from a very poor family. My father was a farmer. My family wasn't able to educate me, but I decided to take up driving as a career.” Pooja spoke about the hardships she faced including opposition from family and husband. She stated that her husband thought that 'driving was not a good profession for women', but she wanted to pursue her dreams.
She said, "Initially, I used to drive cars, then I became a driving instructor at a driving school. I also used to drive taxis. Then, I decided to drive heavy vehicles. Rajinder Singh Ji taught me truck driving. There was a time when I felt that no one would give me a bus to drive. But the Jammu-Kathua Bus Union had faith in me.”
Her seven-year-old son accompanies her during the trips. Pooja added, "I have three children. My daughter studies in Class 10, my son in Class 7 and the youngest son in Class 2, he cannot stay at home without me. My husband is a labourer. I want to appeal to the government to help us financially,.”
The male drivers and passengers praised Pooja on her decision to take up driving as a profession. Kuldeep Singh, a bus driver said, "It is a pride for all of us. She has shown immense courage. Other women should take inspiration from her. Women are doing very well in every field. They are even flying fighter planes. I hope more women in J&K will start driving passenger buses.”A passenger said, "When I saw a woman driving the bus, I was very surprised. We feel proud of her. It is a historic moment for J&K.”
