New Delhi, March 8 International Women's Day is about celebrating equality, progress and achievements of amazing women who help make the world a better place.
For as long as one can recall, motorcycling has mostly been associated with men as their passion, hobby, or even career. However, a community that was considered to be niche a few years ago for women, has immensely grown beyond proportions, in recent times. The super-charged community of women riders in India, are living their passion in accordance with the code of a pure motorcycling philosophy.
Here are few Indian women who are breaking the gender stereotypes, one ride at a time.
Aparna Bandodkar, Mumbai
An avid traveller, cyclist, storyteller, trekker, artist, environmentalist, animal lover, writer, actor, dreamer, Royal Enfield rider by passion and a dentist by profession, Aparna is smashing stereotypes, and is an idol for many. In 2018, Aparna unfortunately suffered a sudden sciatic nerve injury which numbed her leg. For 3 months she was unable to move. She picked up yoga during this time and instead of going under the knife healed herself through sheer will and got back to riding. She carried yoga with her through this time and feels that just like machines and motorcycles, we as humans also need maintenance and self-care.
Jesslina Nayyar, Delhi
Jesslina Nayyar, a model, an influencer and an avid rider is an example of a woman who is breaking stereotypes to change her own life and inspire other women and girls around. She is a fashion model who's a passionate Royal Enfield enthusiast. Turning her passion for travel and riding into her success story, Jesslina is breaking barriers and is up for any adventure. Jesslina has grown up living all over India since her father was in the Indian Army. Her motorcycle journey truly began at the age of 18, when she got her hands on her father's motorcycle. Before that she would go out with her friends who had their motorcycles and ride for hours from Noida-Gurgaon, to and fro, with her friend as a pillion rider. Jesslina cites that her day truly begins when she gets on her motorcycle, which gives her immense happiness and motivation to do things every single day. Each moment on her motorcycle is a memorable one. The fact that it always takes her to places through thick and thin is what makes it even more special. In her own words "Riding the motorcycle is one of those few experiences in life which allows you to take control over the handlebars and define your own path".
Archana Timmaraju, Bangalore
Bengaluru resident Archana Timmaraju, rides with a sticker on her bike that reads: 'Rider is deaf. Failure to cooperate with verbal commands means I am not hearing you'. The 36-year-old arts and metal sculpture teacher at Mallya Aditi International School, Bengaluru, who claims to be India's first woman deaf biker, is passionate about motorcycling and has undertaken various expeditions to raise awareness about sign language and deaf women's empowerment. Archana is also the co-founder of a company called Silent Expeditions for bikers with an emphasis on those with disabilities. She has undertaken many expeditions to promote various causes. In 2018, she rode from Bengaluru to Leh covering 8,400 kilometres in a single shot to spread awareness about sign language and deaf women's empowerment. Archana's aim is to motivate future generations and dismiss all the stereotypes regarding disability, especially disabled women.
Manjari Biche and Gargi Biche, Pune
Famous mother-daughter duo Manjari and Gargi Biche, who have been riding for years now are an inspiration to many. In Gargi's words,"My mom started riding in her 20s. She was staying in Talegaon and she was the First Lady Rider of the town, everyone would look at her in awe, people perceived her as a Police woman! She has always been a daredevil and an adventurer! She had the guts to fight with misogynistic people to marry the love of her life! She is also a chairperson of Maharashtra's well known engineering firm Orbittal Electromech! My mom made sure I learnt how to ride a bike when I was 18! Before teaching me how to ride a moped she taught me the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. I am so happy to have those adventurous genes in me. We usually ride to Lonavala, Pawna, Bhor, Mahabaleshwar, Kolhapur, Vashi etc. Royal Enfield Rider mania 2019 was our longest ride together
( With inputs from IANS )
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