A Journey from Humor to Reality
Ratheesh, originally from Kottayam Ettumanoor, often regaled his wife Jalaja with stories of his truck travels across India. When she voiced her wish to join him, Ratheesh jokingly remarked that she could go anywhere in India if she knew how to drive a lorry. This playful banter turned serious when Jalaja enthusiastically took on the challenge. Now, Jalaja is the primary driver for Ettumanoor Puthettu Travels and has explored nearly every corner of India. She obtained her driving license a decade ago and became a heavy vehicle operator in 2018. Her inaugural trip was to Mumbai, but her most memorable journey happened in 2022, when she transported plywood from a factory in Perumbavoor to Srinagar, Kashmir, accompanied by Ratheesh and a relative. Jalaja’s life exemplifies a powerful rebuttal to the notion that women should not travel outside Kerala.
Challenging Stereotypes
“I’ve traveled extensively by lorry outside Kerala without any negative encounters. People have always treated me courteously, likely due to my companions,” Jalaja shares. She notes the often negative portrayal of lorry drivers in media, which paints them as ruthless, but emphasizes that, in reality, the profession consists of a mix of individuals—some admirable, some not. “In many countries, truck driving is a highly respected occupation, much like any other. I hope that this perception changes here in India,” she adds.
Overcoming Obstacles
Initially driven by her love for travel, Jalaja soon encountered several challenges as a lorry driver. Inadequate bathroom facilities and prolonged periods away from home posed difficulties, as did the challenge of eating meals on time. Nevertheless, she delights in the picturesque views from her elevated seat in the truck. The vehicle’s slower pace and air-conditioned cabin enhance her travel experience. “The best part is that I can pursue my passion despite these minor inconveniences,” she remarks.
Sharing Her Journey
Wishing to convey her adventures, Jalaja started a vlog, which has resonated positively with viewers and inspired many hesitant individuals to take the wheel despite having a license. Now, she is frequently recognized during her travels, sparking conversations wherever she goes. “Isn’t that wonderful?” Jalaja exclaims. The encouragement from her audience motivates her to produce more content.
A Family Affair
Jalaja is no longer the sole female driver in her family. Both her daughter, Devika, and her sister, Surya, have also taken up driving lorries. They recently accompanied her as drivers on a vacation trip. On a subsequent journey to Lucknow, both Jalaja and her daughter drove the lorry. The whole family, spanning from young children to their elderly mother, now shares in the joy of lorry travel. Jalaja prefers driving at night, while her daughter took the wheel during nocturnal hours, allowing Jalaja to steer during the day. Their lorry trips are filled with laughter and the delightful discovery of the country’s landscapes.
Dreams of Discovery
Jalaja has successfully driven through 22 states and 6 Union territories across India, each stop offering unique experiences that enrich her understanding of local cultures, foods, and traditions. She aspires to visit states like Tripura, Nagaland, and Manipur, as they have not yet transported loads there, usually receiving orders for these regions while traveling to other locations. Having already journeyed to Meghalaya and Assam, Jalaja concludes, “It is my dream to see the entire country.”
