|
Woman in the Driving Seat
 Daily commuters in the city’s green boxes seldom peek into the driver’s cabin. Now they gape incredulously. Arousing their amazement is the fragile yet resolute persona of a woman at the wheel. It is not often that you see women ply buses in metropolises and Chennai seems to be taking the lead in promoting gender equality.
Meet Hameedha Banu, 27 -- Chennai city’s first woman bus driver. She drives on the major roads of the city at peak hours with as much confidence as her male counterparts and thoroughly enjoys every moment of it. “It is exhilarating to pick up and drop hundreds of people every day. It makes me feel great,” remarked a delighted Banu. To her the unconventionality of the job is of little importance. “Yes, it is true that women don’t often choose such a profession, but the status quo must change.”
Women sometimes land up in such professions only by accident or if they have no choice. But that was not the case with Banu “I wanted to be a driver,” avers she. The choice was a result of a contrived and assiduous effort.
She joined the Mohammed Sadak polytechnic college and secured a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and also trained to be a heavy motor vehicle inspector. Later, she joined the college as an instructor, delivering auto and car driving lessons to women. Taking her career graph a notch higher towards her goal, she joined the Institute of Road Transport (IRT). There she underwent three months of specialised, rigorous training in driving and the mechanical aspects of buses. After the course, she got lucky, and the break coming her way.
How does she feel on having broken a tradition and occupying the seat dominated by men? “I am happy. There is also the sense of responsibility as commuters trust you when they get onto the bus.” Banu is extremely confident and allays scepticism and the fear that arose in some minds two and half months back.
Her parents provided the inspiration, especially her father. Says Banu, “My father always kept encouraging me. In fact, it was he who instilled the idea in me. He would say you could do it. I attribute my achievement entirely to him.”
 Besides the family, the commuters too have been extremely supportive and encouraging. There have been instances of women embracing Banu and even kissing her to display their happiness on her achievement.
What does the future behold for her? Marriage is certainly on the cards. But will Banu, who is currently sizing up the options, continue her job even after marriage? “Definitely. In today’s scenario, no family can survive on one person’s income. I will work.”
It was time for Banu to leave for her shift. Asked how she negotiated the heavy traffic
and the chaos on Chennai roads, she said, "Driving is an art. It's in fact, an interesting art. As regards traffic, I wish for more.” The confident woman thus inserted the key in the ignition and steered her way to the next destination.
Banu shares her glory with co- driver V. Savithri who was appointed simultaneously.
Vanessa Joseph
|
