The Hindu : Front Page : Now woman power to drive wheels of tourism

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 10, 2005

Front Page

Front Page

Now woman power to drive wheels of tourism

Staff Reporter

WOMAN POWER: The new initiative of the Tourism Ministry takes off in Delhi on Friday. - PHOTO: V. SUDERSHAN

NEW DELHI: Nine women got together here on Friday to make history of sorts, becoming the Capital's first women cab service providers and tourist guides. Described as the new face of "Incredible India", the women are part of "Project Priyadarshani'', a new initiative by the Union Ministry of Tourism to bring women into core areas of the tourism industry.

Flagging off the "Incredible Women of Incredible India" initiative, Minister of State for Tourism Renuka Chowdhry said: "Indian women are second to none. The women-driven taxis will initially run in the Capital, but the project will later be extended to other cities.''

Named after Indira Gandhi, who in her younger days was called Indira Priyadarshini, and launched to coincide with the 59th birthday of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the project is also in line with the Ministry's new sensitisation programme, "Atithi Devo Bhava" (Guest is God), aimed at changing the country's mind-set about tourists.

This first batch of women will undergo a three-month training in commercial driving, self-defence, vehicle repairs, language classes, running souvenir shops and small dhabas at tourism destinations and will also be provided financial aid.

"The project, which trains women from different economic backgrounds to become self-sufficient, is about equipping them with the possibility of growth through vocational training to face challenges with courage and confidence. The tourism sector has a great many stakeholders who interact with tourists and project the face of India,'' said India Tourism Development Corporation Chairman and Managing Director M. S. Manchanda.

Explaining what it means to be part of the first batch of women drivers in the city, 20-year-old Aaina Batra, a graduate from Delhi University, said: ``Becoming a cabbie wasn't an easy decision to make. My parents and me carefully assessed all aspects of the job. This is a different profession, challenging and path-breaking, and I am proud to be part of this industry. I believe women will do a good job as it is a huge responsibility.''

Asserting that the choice wasn't impulsive, 23-year-old DU graduate Shewta Neb said: "Delhi isn't a safe city, specially for women and more so for single women tourists coming here. This service then will become invaluable to them. This will ensure that the tourists feels safe and well looked after.''

Asked about their own safety on Delhi's roads, 40-year-old Rajni Mahajan, also part of the new team, said: "There is nothing that the women of today cannot do. We are flying planes, saving lives and fighting for our country. How difficult is it then to drive a car and take care of tourists coming to the country? It's something that women across the world are trained to do anyway. Under the programme we have the choice of selecting the car we want to drive and are also being trained as guides, which is a unique and complete value-for-money package for tourists. We are all excited about this new profession and hopefully more women will join us soon.''

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page