Veeralakshmi

Taking strides toward making workforces inclusive for women, Tamil Nadu has appointed first woman as a 108 ambulance driver in the state.

30-year-old M Veeralakshmi is not only Tamil Nadu’s but also the nation’s first ambulance driver, the state government’s press statement claimed. Veeralakshmi earned this remarkable feat after serving as a cab driver for three years in Chennai.

Born and raised in Theni, Veeralakshmi came to Chennai along with her husband almost a decade ago. “My husband was already working as a driver here. I used to go with him sometimes, and by observing him, I learned all about the profession and even the mechanics of it,” says the 30-year-old.

Breaking the stereotype, M Veeralakshmi was officially appointed for the job on August 31 at an event in the Secretariat.

It was only four years ago when Veeralakshmi approached ANEW, a women’s welfare association in Anna Nagar, for work.

“They were providing vocational training for women and helping them get jobs. I enrolled myself into their driving course. Since I had the experience of watching my husband drive, I was confident that I could do this,” she says.