Kerala: 25-year-old to be second lady in state to drive tanker lorries transporting petroleum merchandise

Express News Service

PALAKKAD: Outdated gender roles however, it was her ardour for motor autos that propelled 25-year-old Barkath Nisha to put her fingers on the steering wheels of heavy autos. Soon, she can be solely the second lady in Kerala to drive round tanker lorries transporting petroleum merchandise, following within the footsteps of Thrissur Kandassankadavu native Delisha Davis.

Barkath, who has already secured a hazardous driving license, is presently ready for the clearance of a cross from the Chalissery police station.

“I have to send this pass to an OMC (oil marketing company) in Kochi to get permission to load and transport petroleum products,” stated Barkath, who hails from Kilivalankunnu of Nagalassery panchayat.

“I began riding my elder brother’s motorcycle at the age of 14. Even when I was a kid, I would randomly put the vehicle on the stand and try to kickstart it. I never let go of an opportunity to drive, be it a bike, autorickshaw, car or lorry. Finally, on November 10 this year, my younger brother Nishad and I secured the license to transport hazardous materials after completing our training in Ernakulam,” she advised TNIE.

Currently, Barkath drives Taurus lorries for brief distances together with Nishad. “But my aim is to drive tanker lorries. With the help of an official at the OMC, I will soon be a regular on the national highway,” stated a assured Barkath.

The 25-year-old’s father, the late Abdul Hameed, was a each day wager. After his demise, her mom Hafzath struggled so much to lift their 4 youngsters, stated Barkath, who’s the couple’s third baby.

“It was with the assistance of the local panchayat that we built a house for Rs 35,000. My mother, Nishad, and my five-year-old daughter, Aysha Nassar, stay with me there. My elder brother and sister are now married and living separately,” she stated.

As anticipated, Barkath needed to initially face resistance from her household in opposition to pursuing driving as a career.

“We are a conservative household, but I was able to win them over gradually,” stated Barkath, who has separated from her husband.

“Now my mother takes care of my child when I go out for duty,” she stated.

There have been many individuals who helped Barkath on the way in which to realizing her desires.

“It was Ashraf, the owner of Myna constructions, and driver Randheep who handed me a Taurus for the first time. Shaji of Lallalam Travels also trusted me with his vehicles. Similarly, understanding my difficulty to make ends meet, Calicut Driving School proprietor Dhananjayan and Ever Safe Training Centre’s Nandagopal gave me huge discounts. I will always be indebted to these people,” she added.