Bhubaneswar: Sandhya Rani Majhi of Mayurbhanj has made inroads into a male-dominated profession by becoming the first woman driver to be appointed as an official government chauffeur in Odisha.
She drives the official car of Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, who was the first woman director general of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
An official release termed Sandhya’s appointment at the age of 44 as a milestone in promoting women’s empowerment and inclusivity, while inspiring others to pursue careers in underrepresented fields. “The Odisha government’s initiative to train women drivers through programmes like Women Suvahak has paved the way for Sandhya’s achievement, demonstrating the state’s commitment to creating a more equitable transportation system,” it said.
Sandhya took to driving after failed attempts to pursue a career in defence or navy. Her biggest support has been her husband Ram Ray Majhi, also a driver, who bought a second-hand Nano car to help her learn driving.
After working for over ten years as a rental driver, she enrolled in the HMV training centre at Chhatia, Jajpur, in 2023, and also received an offer to work in Japan. But family obligations forced her to stay back. “This was when I got an opportunity from H&UD and Transport secretary Usha Padhee to opt for the profession, and joined without giving a second thought. However, I wasn’t aware that doing so, I would become the first official chauffeur in a government vehicle. It makes me happy. The job has not only helped me follow my passion but has also made me financially independent,” she told TNIE.
Sandhya also multitasks. She works as a beautician at a parlour after finishing her driving duties by 3 pm.