“I drove taxis and lorries to feed my family”

The year 2010 was the most difficult one in my life. My husband couldn’t work because of health reasons. Circumstances forced me to become the breadwinner of my family.

When I was desperately searching for a job, Babu, a close family friend, suggested driving his car on a commercial trip.

I was a bit apprehensive.

But looking back on it, it was a relatively short trip taking pilgrims from Ranni to Parumala Church in the Pathanamthitta district, just 35 km away.

When the pilgrims handed over my first remuneration with great appreciation and said I didn’t drive like a novice, but more like a veteran, I was really thrilled.

That’s how I became a commercial driver.

I’ve always been passionate about driving – right from my childhood days.

Driving is not a mechanical activity – just using the clutch, steering wheel, brake, etcetera – it’s an art.

I’ve participated in 4×4 off-road Jeep races.

My motorcycle journey from Kottayam to Ladakh was full of challenges. But it was also a thrilling experience.

So, naturally, given my passion, I took up various commercial driving works after my first trip taking the pilgrims.

I drove taxis and lorries. I taught in a driving school. Anything to feed my ailing husband and son.

COVID-19 turned out to be a villain. I was deeply affected financially. With all the travel restrictions, I waited in vain for trips.

Even though I was in financial distress, I pledged to be a part of the relief work. I couldn’t help financially, but I could help physically. So I volunteered during the pandemic.

In the middle of it all, I came across an advertisement of the Kerala Health Department for the vacancies of ambulance pilots.

So, I applied.

But I was pessimistic. I wondered if the government would appoint a woman as an ambulance pilot. 

As the pandemic eased, the overall situation became better. But I was still struggling to make ends meet.

Then one day I got a call from Thiruvananthapuram. It was a woman on the other side.

“Deepa, I am Veena George, the Health Minister.”

I was stunned. I couldn’t believe it. My voice shook when I managed to reply.

In a polite voice the minister went on to say that I was being appointed as an ambulance pilot. With further encouraging words, she blessed me.

On March 8, International Women’s Day, she handed me the keys to an ambulance and I began my new job as Kerala’s first woman ambulance pilot.

Every day I get a lot of calls from unknown well-wishers. Some people appreciate my work. Some people seek my advice on being a woman driver.

I try to encourage and guide them.