Bhubaneswar: In a historic step toward women’s empowerment, 45-year-old Sandhya Rani Majhi from Mayurbhanj district has become the first woman to be appointed as a government vehicle driver in Odisha. Her inspiring journey reflects courage, determination, and a break from traditional gender roles.
A Dream That Started in Childhood
Sandhya hails from Suleipat village in Mayurbhanj.
From a young age, she was fascinated by cars and dreamed of becoming a driver.
“I always wanted to drive,” she said. “It was my passion since childhood.”
She began by riding motorcycles and gradually moved on to driving cars.
Hard Work and Training Paved the Way
Sandhya is a graduate. She married a driver in the Jashipur area of the same district.
Later, she began driving a taxi to support her family.
She obtained her light motor vehicle licence in 2011.
In 2023, she completed training at the Chhatia Driving Training Centre in Jajpur and earned her heavy motor vehicle licence.
In between, she also worked at a beauty parlour in Bhubaneswar to support her family.
A Life-Changing Phone Call
Sandhya’s big moment came when she received a call from the Chhatia Driving Training Centre.
She was told about a driver’s post in the state government.
Without hesitation, she applied and was selected.
She joined her new post on June 25.
Now, she drives the official vehicle of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department.
Praises and Recognition
Sandhya’s achievement was widely appreciated.
Usha Padhee praised her in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Sandhya Rani’s bold journey behind the wheel shatters gender stereotypes and paves the way for countless women in Odisha to drive change.”
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who heads the Women and Child Development Department, also congratulated her.
She called it a milestone in women’s empowerment.
“A new chapter has been added to women’s empowerment,” she wrote on X.
A Role Model for Many
Officials say that Sandhya’s appointment is a breakthrough for gender inclusivity in government jobs.
Her hard work and skills show what is possible when women are given the right opportunities.
She is now seen as an inspiration for other women to take up roles in male-dominated sectors like driving and transport.
Women Suvahak Programme Supports Change
Sandhya’s success is also linked to the state’s efforts through the Women Suvahak initiative.
This programme aims to train women as professional drivers.
It promotes both women’s empowerment and road safety.
Officials said her appointment is a testament to Odisha’s commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable workforce.
Sandhya Rani Majhi’s journey from a small village to the driver’s seat of a government car is not just her personal victory — it’s a powerful message.
She proves that dreams backed by courage and training can break barriers, inspire change, and steer the state toward a more equal future.
