Surekha kicked off her career as an assistant driver of goods trains far back in 1989. After four years, she was transferred to the mountainous Ghat sections. A year later, she moved effortlessly into the driver grade. 11 hard and challenging years into her job and Surekha is still going strong as ever. Throughout this span, her husband has given her his unstinted support.
"The job is, of course, tough" says Surekha matter-of-factly " It is physically taxing and draws on all my resources of concentration and responsibility. But at least, I don't go through other hassles faced by women like butt-pinching, crowded commuter vehicles and lewd comments."
Very true considering that Surekha gets into her driver cabin and watches the tracks and signals intently. Anything else is shut out to her focused and concentrated mind. Surekha Yadav holds a diploma in electrical engineering. Her joining the Great Indian Railways was purely by chance. As all good things in life are.
"I just saw the ad and applied without a second thought. Yes, my family was initially amused and even wary of a typically 'male' job. But I convinced them" says the 30-something with a laugh. Her co-workers stand in awe of Surekha. They are all praise and helpful towards the only woman on the payroll.
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