Neelkamal Thakur, a resident of Arki in Solan district, was honoured upon reaching Dharamshala.
Driving a truck was not a hobby for Neelkamal, but a necessity!
Neelkamal’s decision to become a female truck driver was not an easy one, but it turned out to be the right choice for her and her family. Her determination and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as she was honoured in Dharamshala for her achievements. Sahil Kapoor, the RM at HRTC Dharamshala, praised Neelkamal and another female truck driver for their dedication and ability to handle the demands of the job with ease.
Driving a truck was not a hobby for Neelkamal Thakur, but a necessity due to her situation. After her husband passed away, she was left with the responsibility of providing for her family. Despite initially hiring drivers to operate her trucks, she found that the work was not being done efficiently. Remembering her past experience driving a car, she decided to take the steering wheel of a truck and has been doing so for the past 8 years, traveling to various destinations such as Chandigarh, Una, Rohtang, Manali, Kinnaur, and Sirmour.
Speaking to media Neelkamal said,“After my husband’s death, there was no source of income. I hired a driver, but the work was not being done properly. I used to drive a car earlier, then I thought, why not drive a truck? Since then, I have never looked back.”
Sahil Kapoor, RM, HRTC Dharamshala praised Neelkamal’s journey as a female truck driver
Sahil Kapoor, RM, HRTC Dharamshala said, “I learned that women have been coming to the HRTC workshop with loaded trucks. They drive the trucks themselves and also take good care of the repair work. It was inspiring to see that women not only perform the same tasks as men but can also effortlessly handle a truck loaded with good.” It is encouraging to see women like Neelkamal breaking barriers and excelling in what is typically seen as a male-dominated field.
Neelkamal’s journey as a female truck driver is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Facing financial hardship after her husband’s passing, she bravely pivoted to a profession that is traditionally male-dominated. Women like Neelkamal challenging stereotypes and excelling in roles that were once deemed exclusive to men. She serves as an inspiration for individuals striving to create their own path and redefine societal expectations.