Mumbai:
If you thought Priti Kumari, Western Railway's first motorwoman, is even the least bit ill at ease among her 420 male co-workers, then you underestimated her confidence.
Ten days into the job, Priti, who assumed the responsibility of ferrying 33 lakh commuters every day, says she feels right at home among the motormen.
The 34-year-old first came to Mumbai in 2002 and was a little daunted by the crazy bustle in the trains. She was the first girl in her village, Darbhanga in Bihar, who ventured out to study beyond Std X.
This electronics and instrumentation diploma holder cleared psychoanalysis and medical tests and a rigorous training at Mahalaxmi to be where she is today.
Her non-descript appearance belies the remarkable command she possesses over the machines. And the ease with which she operates them is that of a seasoned professional.
Kumari flagged off her first journey with a 2.29 pm slow local from Churchgate on October 12. "It was a memorable moment. After I completed my journey, some people gave me roses and others smiles."
She has no apprehensions about foraying into the male-dominated field. "I see it as any other engineering job," said Kumari.
Hardly overcome by the fact that she accomplished what she did despite being a woman, she said, "Even my sister works for the Metro Rail in Delhi. Women fly planes, run countries, and do what not. I am just a part of it."
Given how transport is the first target during any public commotion, what really scares Kumari is any sort of mass unrest in the city.
"I get scared when I think of an unruly situation or any public agitation in the city. But I know one thing. If I do my job with dedication, passengers will not create problems for me."
Initially, Kumari says, she was under the impression that Mumbaikars are arrogant and apathetic. But her impression altered with time. "I found people here very supportive and helpful."
But she has her bad days on the job. Sometimes, people make gender-biased barbs directed at her. "Some people pass comments on me. But I have learned to smile and move on."