Udupi: Dignity of Labour - 22-year-old Auto Driver Sheela Shows the way
by Richie Lasrado - Daijiworld.com
(with additional inputs and pics from Rakesh Kotian - Durga Digitals)
Udupi / Udyavar, Aug 25: She is just twentytwo, and a young woman who believes in the dignity of labour.
Having completed her graduation in Arts, Sheela, daughter of Krishnappa and Baby of Udyavar near Udupi, did not, as most graduates would do, wait for a white or a blue-collar job for herself.
Hailing from the Mogaveera community, her father has earlier been the only bread-winner of the family, earning the livelihood as a sand-loader.
Yet, with much difficulty and by showing academic interest, Sheela did her graduation.
But the job prospects, as it is wont these days, were bleak. In spite of it, having full faith in her own self, Sheela decided to do something different than roll bidis at home or join some cottage or fish-canning industry as a worker.
In the true spirit of woman empowerment, she bought an autorickshaw under the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana and decided to run it herself.
At first, while learning the ropes of auto-driving, she had a fall and a resultant injury. She faced ridicule from acquaintances and neighbours who said it was a man's domain and that she was not cut out for this kind of a job.
But Sheela was not the one to be discouraged. Taking up the challenge, she went ahead with a firm resolve and started operating her rickshaw at the Udyavar main bus stop. Initiallly she faced some curious looks and comments from the menfolk who passed by.
But the male colleagues, says Sheela, are now giving her full support and cooperation, which has provided her with a much-needed sense of security. They are treating her with respect and concern, she adds with grace.
We had heard of two female auto-drivers plying in Kundapur. Another is reportedly in Hiriadka.
Could Sheela, a bold young spinster, be a role-model for many other women to earn a livelihood with honesty and dignity?
The way she has succeeded in her daunting decision and determination, perhaps she should.
Woman Empowered: