Watch Out, Boys! Shanti Devi Is Changing the Game as India’s First Female Truck Mechanic!
Shanti Devi, a name synonymous with resilience and determination, stands as India’s first and only known female truck mechanic. Operating from one of Asia’s largest truck stops, the 66-year-old powerhouse is redefining gender roles by fixing 110-pound tires with ease and earning the respect of countless truck drivers.
A Day at Sanjay Gandhi National Transport
Nestled in the heart of Delhi, at the bustling Sanjay Gandhi National Transport area, Shanti Devi runs her mechanic station. This truck stop sees a staggering 20,000 trucks daily, and amidst this hustle, Shanti is a beacon of skill and perseverance. Drivers are often taken aback when they see her lifting massive truck tires, doubting her ability at first.
“They believe that I would not be able to do it. Some even offer to lend a helping hand,” she says with a smile. “When they see that I am quite capable of lifting and moving heavy tires with ease on my own, they give me a reassuring — although perhaps slightly sheepish — smile. I have earned their respect and have developed a healthy relationship with regular customers.”
From Humble Beginnings to Mechanical Mastery
Shanti’s journey is one of relentless determination. Growing up in an extremely poor family in Madhya Pradesh, she exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit early on. Without any formal training or education, she rented a sewing machine and began making clothes to sell. “My parents were surprised by my initiative,” she recalls. Her resourcefulness allowed her to save enough money to move to Delhi.
In Delhi, after marrying Ram Bahadur, they set up a tea shop at the truck stop. As their business expanded, they hired a mechanic to offer minor truck repairs. Shanti watched the mechanic intently and taught herself the trade. “Before I knew it, I was a full-fledged mechanic,” she reflects. “I wanted to help my family earn more. And I liked doing it, so I continued. I think it’s just like the work I do at home — I do it for my family. So it never felt odd to me.”
Overcoming Skepticism and Gaining Respect
“There is nothing you can do to change your past, but there is a lot one can learn from it… if you treat every day as a new challenge, your entire perspective changes.” – Shanti Devi
The early years were tough. Many truck drivers were skeptical of Shanti’s abilities because she was a woman. “People did stare. Maybe they felt uncomfortable seeing a woman mechanic here,” she says. “But they didn’t succeed in making me feel uncomfortable… It might be shocking for them, but I treat it like any other work.”
Shanti’s persistence paid off. Her dedication and expertise won over even the most doubtful customers, helping her family thrive. Five years ago, they bought their first house, a monumental achievement for the mother of eight. Her success has paved the way for her grandchildren to pursue opportunities she only dreamed of, such as attending school. “I feel it is very important for girls to study so that they can be independent,” she asserts. “There is nothing you can do to change your past, but there is a lot one can learn from it… if you treat every day as a new challenge, your entire perspective changes.”
Inspiring Future Generations
Shanti Devi’s story is not just about breaking gender stereotypes but also about inspiring future generations. Her journey from a humble beginning to becoming a respected mechanic is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Shanti continues to blaze a trail for other women in India, proving that with grit and perseverance, any barrier can be overcome.
Shanti Devi’s unwavering determination and remarkable journey from a young girl in Madhya Pradesh to a trailblazing truck mechanic and entrepreneur in Delhi is an inspiring saga. She has shown that gender should never define one’s capabilities or limit one’s dreams. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower, proving that with the right mindset, any challenge can be transformed into an opportunity.
