Srinagar: Pooja Devi, mother of two children and aged in her mid-30,became Jammu and Kashmir's first woman bus driver. Pooja, who has defied societal pressures, ferried passengers in a private bus from Kathua to Jammu on Thursday.
A resident of Sandhar-Basohli village, Pooja adopted this profession owing to her passion and now she is receiving overwhelming response on social media and also in Jammu.
Talking to ETV Bharat, she said, "I wanted to become a driver and to pursue my dreams. I come from a poor family and my family did not support me initially. I used to drive taxi to and also drove a truck in Jammu. Now, my dream has finally come true."
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Pooja expressed her gratitude to district president Kuldeep Singh and said, "I was really amazed to learn that my request of driving a bus was approved by him. Kuldeep Singh not only provided me with the vehicle but also encouraged me to go ahead with my profession. He trusted my skills and gave me this opportunity."
She added, "Today, women are breaking barriers and are becoming pilots, doctors and police officers. Why can't I become a professional driver? I want to give a message to all women who want to pursue their dreams that they should follow it."
"People have appreciated me and I am really thankful for that. The response is not only surprising but also encouraging," the woman concluded.
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