"Machines don't see gender; they see your strength," declares Surekha Yadav, who has been piloting India's trains for thirty-plus years.
In the past few days, Ms Yadav concluded her career after thirty-six years in the field, retiring as India's initial female rail pilot.
Overcoming Challenges
Currently, there are over two thousand lady rail drivers in the Indian Railways, but Ms Yadav embarked on the position at a time when it was unusual for women to pursue this field.
Coming into the world in 1965 in a rural community in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms Yadav comes from a agricultural background and is the first-born of five siblings.
Since childhood, she was exposed to demanding tasks, supporting her family on the farm while also pursuing education.
"Even though my parents had a simple upbringing, they were open-minded. They ensured my schooling and that permitted me to work."
Career Beginnings
After finishing her education as an engineering graduate, Ms Yadav quickly commenced seeking a job. She accidentally noticed a newspaper advertisement by the Indian railways, looking for locomotive assistants, and took the opening.
At the time, she wasn't aware that there were no female train operators in the country. She simply saw the job as a way to make a living.
Public sector positions are highly coveted in India because of the job safety and advantages they offer. But securing a position for one is tough, as numerous candidates from all over the country contest for a solitary opening.
Conquering Obstacles
Ms Yadav successfully completed the hiring process with outstanding performance, and got her opening assignment on a cargo locomotive in 1989.
It was only when she began training that she understood the profession was incredibly male-dominated.
She remembers the opening day she went in for training. While she didn't anticipate many lady candidates, she was surprised when she saw there existed zero women in her class.
"I pondered what to do. But I thought, if I don't accept the job, another person would. Since I've been chosen, I'll accomplish it," she says.
Career Development
Train operators use diverse tracking equipment to oversee different components of the travel, including paths and velocity. They have to be vigilant constantly and make prompt judgments to avert mishaps and maintain commuter protection.
Numerous locomotives travel across India's sprawling railway network each day, transporting numerous commuters to their destinations. India's trains are often called the lifeline of the country because of the scope of their reach and how affordable they are.
Ms Yadav says she learnt the ability to understand indications, anticipating problems and responding immediately to avert crises.
Career Milestones
In 1996, she was advanced to the position of train operator - the primary controller of the train's control room, or the "core unit" of the train.
The irregular schedules, due to unexpected holdups and accidents, was one of the greatest obstacles of the job.
Regardless of weather, she had to report for work. Unpredictable meal times and unavailability of toilets or female dressing areas on some trains added to the challenges.
Individual Compromises
Ms Yadav says she has driven locomotives on waterlogged paths, across elevated pathways and on multiple-day journeys.
She worked through two childbearing phases and nurtured her offspring while maintaining her job.
The character of her work, she says, didn't permit her to long for her children when she had to be away from them.
"You need to monitor the indicator, the track, the aerial infrastructure, pay attention to your co-worker, and maintain focus on the speed - simultaneously. How would I consider my children?" Ms Yadav says. "If your mind drifts for even half a minute, even a moment, it can be risky for everyone on the train."
Assistance Framework
She recalls having to miss several relative gatherings and excursions because of her job. But support from family and male co-workers helped her cope.
"My co-workers were great. They avoided making me experience like I was different because I was a female. Some people may have believed that, but not my partners," she says.
In her long career, Ms Yadav also got the opportunity to mentor prospective locomotive pilots, many of them women.
Her hope is that her career will function as encouragement to others.
Final Journey
On her concluding day, Ms Yadav operated the Rajdhani Express - one of India's premium long-distance trains. At the end point in India's economic hub Mumbai she was honored with celebration by her colleagues, featuring drum performances and dance performances.
"I couldn't predict I'd drive trains till I became 60," Ms Yadav says.
When asked what she'll long for most about her job, she said it's the blinking indicators.
Those tiny guiding lights always helped her find the way.
