Meet Kerala’s woman trailblazing heavy machinery driver | Fusion - WeRIndia

Radha Maniamma, a 74-year-old from Kerala, stands as an inspiring symbol of resilience and determination.

Radha Amma is known for her entrepreneurial drive and an impressive collection of 11 driving licenses. She has carved a niche in a male-dominated industry.

Her journey, filled with barriers she boldly overcame, motivates countless others to break societal norms.

Born in a modest household in Kerala, Radha Maniamma faced the same challenges common to many women in her community, with limited access to education and career growth.

However, her passion for driving—sparked by her late husband’s encouragement—became a lifelong pursuit.

In 1981, she obtained her four-wheeler license, learning to drive in an Ambassador car.

Just a few years later, in 1984, she became the first woman in Kerala to earn a heavy vehicle license. It marked a historic moment in the state’s transportation sector.

Together with her husband, she established the A2Z Institute of Heavy Equipment in 1970.

This venture empowered countless individuals to gain driving skills and heavy-duty licenses.

After her husband’s passing in 2004, Radha Amma continued growing the institute, empowering women to enter fields traditionally dominated by men.

Radha Amma’s achievements have earned her recognition. These include many awards like the Inspirational Personality of the Year 2022 award by the India Book of Records.

Despite her age, she remains a digital sensation, boasting over 29,000 followers. It is a testament to her wide-reaching influence in a tech-driven era.

Her impressive set of driving licenses reflects not only her skills but also her commitment to challenging stereotypes in the transportation industry.

Through her work and social media presence, Radha Amma inspires others to “take the wheel,” proving that age and gender are no barriers to ambition.

Her story exemplifies how determination can overcome obstacles, encouraging women everywhere to drive their own paths forward.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on February 02, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/603931