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. From a young age, she was exposed to hard work, helping out her family on the farm while also studying. Her parents always encouraged her to put her studies first, she says.
Though my parents came from a modest background, they were progressive in their thinking. They educated me and that allowed me to work.
After finishing her education as an electrical engineer, Ms Yadav immediately began looking for a job. She randomly spotted a newspaper advertisement by the Indian railways, looking for assistant train drivers, and grabbed the opportunity. At the time, she wasn't aware that there were no female train operators in the country. She simply saw the job as a means to earn an income.
Government jobs are highly coveted in India because of the security and perks they offer. But getting selected for one is tough, as thousands of applicants from all over the country compete for a single vacancy. Ms Yadav cleared the selection process with flying colours, and got her first job on a goods train in 1989. It was only when she began training that she realised the profession was incredibly male-dominated.
She recalls her first day of training when she found that there wasn't a single female student in her class. I wondered what to do. But I thought, if I don't take up the job, someone else will. Since I've been selected, I'll do it, she recalled. The initial years were challenging, with no book to teach her to be a good train driver.
Train operators must use multiple monitoring systems to oversee the journey, from routes to speed. They need to remain alert and make quick decisions to ensure safety. Yadav learned to interpret cues, anticipate problems, and react in real time to avert crises.
She faced unpredictable work hours, challenges like operating trains on flooded tracks, and the demands of raising children while continuing her career. You have to watch the signal, the track, the overhead equipment, listen to your colleague, and keep your eyes on the speed - all at the same time. How could I think of my children? she recalls.
Despite personal challenges, Yadav persevered and even mentored aspiring female train operators. On her last day, she joyfully drove the Rajdhani Express and received a grand farewell at Mumbai station, complete with celebrations.
Reflecting on her incredible journey, Ms Yadav shared, I never imagined I'd drive trains till I became 60, citing the flashing signals that gave her direction as what she'll miss most about her job.
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. From a young age, she was exposed to hard work, helping out her family on the farm while also studying. Her parents always encouraged her to put her studies first, she says.
Though my parents came from a modest background, they were progressive in their thinking. They educated me and that allowed me to work.
After finishing her education as an electrical engineer, Ms Yadav immediately began looking for a job. She randomly spotted a newspaper advertisement by the Indian railways, looking for assistant train drivers, and grabbed the opportunity. At the time, she wasn't aware that there were no female train operators in the country. She simply saw the job as a means to earn an income.
Government jobs are highly coveted in India because of the security and perks they offer. But getting selected for one is tough, as thousands of applicants from all over the country compete for a single vacancy. Ms Yadav cleared the selection process with flying colours, and got her first job on a goods train in 1989. It was only when she began training that she realised the profession was incredibly male-dominated.
She recalls her first day of training when she found that there wasn't a single female student in her class. I wondered what to do. But I thought, if I don't take up the job, someone else will. Since I've been selected, I'll do it, she recalled. The initial years were challenging, with no book to teach her to be a good train driver.
Train operators must use multiple monitoring systems to oversee the journey, from routes to speed. They need to remain alert and make quick decisions to ensure safety. Yadav learned to interpret cues, anticipate problems, and react in real time to avert crises.
She faced unpredictable work hours, challenges like operating trains on flooded tracks, and the demands of raising children while continuing her career. You have to watch the signal, the track, the overhead equipment, listen to your colleague, and keep your eyes on the speed - all at the same time. How could I think of my children? she recalls.
Despite personal challenges, Yadav persevered and even mentored aspiring female train operators. On her last day, she joyfully drove the Rajdhani Express and received a grand farewell at Mumbai station, complete with celebrations.
Reflecting on her incredible journey, Ms Yadav shared, I never imagined I'd drive trains till I became 60, citing the flashing signals that gave her direction as what she'll miss most about her job.
