Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jan 27: Last month, on December 27, daijiworld had brought its readers the story of the gritty Shilpa, who runs the popular Halli Mane Rotties all by herself. Here's the story of yet another woman of substance, a woman who has fought all odds and overcome obstacles, including those that come being part of a profession that is usually seen as a male domain.

This is the story of C S Radhika, who apart from being an ambulance driver, also owns 10 ambulances.

A resident of Kulaigudda, Radhika manages the functioning of her 'Cauvery Ambulances' with the help of seven staff. Her efforts and dedication to work speaks volumes about the iron will behind this woman who has fought all odds to make a living in a field where women are a rarity.

"Nothing is impossible, if you have the will to do it," says the gritty Radhika.

Radhika lost her husband C S Suresh who was into ambulance service and operating a single ambulance van. After his demise, she had to earn for a living and also look after her two daughters all on her own.

Radhika who has been into ambulance services since 2002, bravely faced all odds and ventured into this profession. Now that her life is better than what it was, she recalls her struggle and says that in her hard times, due to financial crisis, the family had to spend many days with just a single meal. Hard pressed against all difficulties, she did not give up but took up the job at hand and started ‘Cauvery Ambulances’ with all her courage.

She further recalls that she learnt driving from her husband who always inspired her saying, "Driving the ambulance for people in itself is a form of service. We should do it wholeheartedly".

In her ambulance, Radhika has not only travelled across Karnataka but also gone to various states like Jharkhand, Bihar and Maharashtra to render her service.

"When faced with difficulties, we should have no fear, instead we should struggle hard to lead our lives," she said.

She also provides first aid as she has experience of working in a private hospital as a nurse. Whenever necessary, she takes the vehicle to pick up ailing patients. Radhika's two children are now pursuing their education in a college in the city.

Recently, she was awarded the 'Mangaluru Press Club Award' in recognition of her service to society.

Indeed, people like Radhika need to be appreciated and applauded not only for the way they have struggled and won, but also for their selflessness.