Meet Pooja Devi, The First Woman Bus Driver From Jammu And Kashmir

When Pooja Devi took control of the steering wheel of a passenger bus on Thursday, a new history was made - the mother of two is the first woman bus driver from Jammu and Kashmir.

On Thursday, Devi, a resident of the Kathua district drove the bus from her hometown to Jammu.

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According to Devi, who is a driving trainer, it was her passion to become a professional driver.

She however admitted that it was a smooth journey to reach her goal.

She pursued her passion for becoming a driver professionally despite the opposition from the family and relatives.

"My family did not support me initially. But, I am not educated enough to choose any other job, and this suits me. I used to drive a taxi to learn how to drive commercial vehicles. I also drove a truck in Jammu," she told The Times of India.

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The mother of two is also accompanied by her toddler son by her side when she is driving the bus through the not so friendly terrine.

According to her becoming a bus driver not only fulfills her dream but also helps her to support her family.

¡°I was getting Rs 10000 per month as a trainer from a reputed driving institution in Jammu. When I got a heavy driving license, I approached the union and they trusted my skills by handing over a passenger bus to drive on Jammu-Kathua road,¡± she told Greater Kashmir.

Devi also said that she hopes her achievement will encourage other women in the valley to pursue their dreams.

¡°Women are flying fighter jets now. I wanted to break the taboo that only men can drive passenger buses. I wanted to send out a message to all women who want to try their hand at challenging jobs and to those whose families would not let them follow their dreams,¡± she told The Times of India.