“Just follow your heart and don’t listen to the unwanted opinions of people, because somehow your heart knows everything and eventually it will take you to the right places,” is the philosophy of the 24 year old, first female chauffeur of Gujarat, Monika Yadav. A resident of Ahmedabad, Monika, who has a degree in Architecture and is presently pursuing post graduation at Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad, drives an Uber cab.
Her passion for driving took wings at a very young age. “I was barely 14, when I learnt driving from my brother and on my 18th birthday I had driving license in my hand,” says Monika with a smile. Since then, her passion has only accelerated in top gear with no brakes.
The job at Uber is a pure passion and helps her in fulfilling her dream of driving from place to place. “After
completing my graduation last year from Jaipur in architecture, I got selected at CEPT Ahmedabad for my post-graduation programme. Being an architect, I am able to give wings to my imagination and creativity, however the real sense of satisfaction comes from driving,” says Monika. “For me driving is like a stress buster,” she adds.
Her passion for travelling has taken her to almost every state of India and to few international destinations as well. “I am not someone who will spend her whole life doing 9-5 job on the same desk. And being an architect I got chance to visit places. I love travelling, exploring new places and meeting new people, and above all I love driving,” stresses Monika who has no hesitation in driving for 12 hours at a stretch and after small break can drive for another 12 hours.
Monika wasn’t sure how the passengers would react to a female cab driver. However, to her surprise everyone till date has been very encouraging. “I have been appreciated for my driving skills by every passenger who feels both happy and amazed to see a young girl driving a cab. There have been customers who have paid me extra tip as a blessing as they were happy that a girl is taking a lead in this field as well. I give back the money to Uber as I do not want money to weigh over my passion for driving,” she says.
Daily routine
Monika’s daily schedule is chalked out minutely. Right from the time she gets up at 4:00 am till she sleeps at 11 pm, her schedule is properly planned. She starts her cab service from5 am and continues till 8:30 am. She then attends her college till 5:00 pm and again resumes driving from 6:00 in the evening till 10:00 at night.
Monika’s passion is not limited to driving cars alone. She loves riding bikes as well and has gone on a few road expeditions. The latest being from Chandigarh to Leh to Manali and back.
Source of Inspiration
In India, there is a misconception that women cannot be good drivers. This, Monika, says is absolutely incorrect. “It all depends on our skills and how one has learnt the basics,” she insists. The greatest sense of achievement for Monika is when the female passengers come to her and not only congratulate her but ask her to teach them driving as well. “Their appreciation and smile makes my day and motivates me to continue my passion with zeal,” beamingly says Monika.
