Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK/AM)

Mangaluru, Mar 8: There goes a saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going". Almost a decade ago, Rajeevi, a resident of Yedapadav, reluctantly took to driving an auto rickshaw. Transcending all barriers and breaking stereotypes, she took up the male-dominated profession, and through sheer hard work and lots of guts, has become an inspiration for many.

Rajeevi's husband Ramanna Naik who was a civil contractor, purchased an auto ten years ago. Stuck in a busy schedule, Ramanna decided to give the vehicle on rent. An adamant Rajeevi stopped him from doing so and took to driving the three-wheeler herself. Ramanna taught her to drive the autorickshaw and since then, Rajeevi has been earning a living by ferrying passengers. In fact, she is among the city's very few female auto rickshaw drivers.

"I begin my day at 9 am and ferry passengers till 6 pm. I have ferried the needy even after 6 pm. Earlier, when there was no provision of 108 ambulance, I used to take patients in my rickshaw to hospitals late in the night. Many women passengers approach me for help. My husband is not well at present and I am the lone bread winner in the family. I have managed to bring up my two children Manjunath and Yashoda quite well despite facing many hurdles," says Rajeevi.

The brave woman has successfully completed ten years driving an auto rickshaw. She is an inspiration for all the women. Rajeevi is an ASHA worker and a gram panchayat member too.

For Rajeevi, family comes first and she is doing everything she can for them.