

NEW DELHI: When 13-year-old Zamarrud Parveen moved to Delhi from Seohora, a village near Bijnor, she was intimidated by the city's vast distances. The first time she went out she got lost and returned home petrified. Today, she is 21 and navigates city roads as a cabbie driving a Swift Dzire for Uber .

"I learnt driving after finishing my 12th standard. It was a six-month course but I got comfortable behind the wheel in two months," says Zamarrud, her grin reaching her striking green eyes.

It was her mother, Ghazala, who first made her join a driving school. She had come across an advertisement for free driving lessons. "I knew we would never be able to afford a car so I thought it was a good opportunity for her to learn something that would put her on par with the city girls." says Ghazala.

According to Zamarrud, she didn't really intend to become a cab driver: "I was not aware that the driving school required me to work as a professional cab driver for three years. I wanted to study further but then I realized that it was a way to support my family." Habib-ur-Rehman, Zamarrud's father, a construction labourer, was the family's only earning member till she started driving.

She joined a BA (Pass) course in Jamia Milia Islamia through correspondence course and started commercial driving. She does not regret letting go of her education because it helped her provide a better life for her three younger sisters.

She recalls her first drive as a cabbie: "I was very nervous when I joined Uber. I didn't know how the app worked and how duties were assigned. I had to call up my seniors to seek help," she says.

Her day at work begins from 9 am and ends at 10 pm. She uses her two-hour break to study.

Zamarrud comes from a conservative family and her relatives in Bijnor do not approve of her profession. "When she started driving we had to face a lot of criticism. They said that her profession won't get her a good groom but I don't care. She will marry whenever she wants to. I want her to have a free life till then," says Ghazala.

Zamarrud has driven up to Gurgaon and Noida late at night. But her parents do not fear for her safety - she has always been brave and sensible, says her proud father.

"No one has ever been rude to me. The standard comment I get from everyone is that this is the first time they have seen a lady taxi driver and that makes me happy. Women always choose to sit next to me and chat," says Zamarrud.

But the youngster wants to return to academics. "I want to do Masters in Islamic Studies and become a professor. My parents have fought for me, I want to give them a more comfortable life," she says.

