Chartering New Territory – Prema Nandapatti only female Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) driver
Known for its infamous traffic, driving in Bengaluru is certainly not easy. And if you are driving a public bus, it could be far more complex. And if you are a woman driving the bus, you also must battle preconceived notions. But none of this deterred Prema Nandapatti, who quit a job as a nurse in 2009and joined BMTC as the first and only woman driver in 2010.
The 44 year old, from Belgaum took up the job as she needed to take care of her aging mother and her then school going son, post her husband’s passing. For someone who was passionate about driving, she was egged on by her mother to take up the job and has an immaculate accident free track record to date. Debunking the myth that women are bad drivers, Nandapatti, not just skilfully navigates these heavy vehicles, but has become the poster woman for breaking gender stereotypes.
Her hard work has not gone unnoticed and she has received monetary rewards for her perseverance and dedication. Reporting to work when all the staff were on strike to be a fine example of managing stress on a job like this, she is naturally popular with her regular commuters. The good part is that she admits that she has not faced any gender issues and male drivers in BMTC have been encouraging. Her passengers also have often brought her flowers, chocolates, and small gifts. Balancing her personal and professional life with a rare aplomb that is worthy of being emulated, Nandapatti is also making the case for the changing perspective of women drivers.
I also wrote about Sunitha Krishnan, social activist and co-founder of Prajwala. Read the full story that first appeared in The New Indian Express dated March 10, 2024 here:
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