Driving Change, Defending Dreams

Industrial Economist (IE): Can you share your growth journey?
Mahalakshmi Ramalingam (MR): My father passed away when I was young. Being the eldest daughter, coming from a modest family, I had huge re­sponsibilities. I started with a mobile cleaning job, where I faced some prob­lems, or I would like to call them pink penalties. That is where everything began. For my safety, my mother en­rolled me in karate. I continuously trained and taught karate under a mas­ter for 25 years. Now, I have planned to start independent self-defence classes exclusively for women. Apart from this, I also drive Pink Rapido (Ride – hailing app) till 2 am.

IE: Have you ever had a moment where being a martial artist saved you?
MR: Yes, both physically and men­tally. Earlier, during my daily bus commute, I often faced harassment. After two years of learning Karate, I gained strength and the confidence to respond in difficult situations. It wasn’t the uniform but inner con­fidence that changed me. In my perspective, education helps one grow and shine, but it does not teach to protect onself. Being strong and fearless is real empowerment, I would say martial arts gives discipline and courage eventually comes from clarity and training.

IE: Can you share your experience as a wom­an Rapido driver?
MR: Society may celebrate women publicly, but judgments about our choices and professions persist. When I began driving, I faced crit­icism and was even advised not to work at night. But I chose to contin­ue. As a Rapido driver, I feel proud when I safely drop women late at night. Many passengers have told me they feel more secure with a woman driver and some parents have person­ally thanked me for ensuring their daughters reach home safely. That appreciation motivates me. With Rapido’s flexible timings, many wom­en, especially widows, single parents and those from underprivileged back­grounds can earn with dignity and independence.

IE: What is your view on financial independence for women?
MR: Just earning money alone does not bring independence. To sustain financial independence, women need physical strength and inner courage. Many women bring income home, yet they do not always have a say in how it is spent. That is why courage is essen­tial not just to earn, but to stand firm and take control of one’s own life.

IE: One piece of advice for the young women
MR: I want to lead by example. I fo­cus on staying fit, earning my own income and ensuring my own safety. I choose not to depend completely on anyone. This is the advice I would give to all women out there: be strong, self-reliant and confident in handling your own life.