Pallavi Fauzdar on motorcycling her way around stereotypes and being a multitasking mama!
Women have always been underestimated and from not being allowed to taste success to the stress on becoming wife material, life is truly one big challenge. There are a lot of women in this world who are breaking this stereotype, and proving everyone that they are equally capable of doing things that men can do. And we at AAW look out for thee special ones. Liberated, free and proud women here is one such inspiration Pallavi Fauzdar.
Pallavi, 36, is renowned motorcyclist. A mother of two, home maker, and entrepreneur, qualified fashion designer, social worker, energy healer and a Female Adventure Motorcyclist. She is truly demi godess with multi-tasking as her weapon! She is holds three awards in the Lima Book of Records. They are:
- First motorcyclist in the world to conquer 8 mountain passes, which are above 8000 meters.
- First ever to reach the top of the highest and the toughest mountain pass in the world, which is the Mana Pass. It is situated on the China border.
- She also has a rare distinction of riding to the highest fresh water lake in the world, and is also the first female rider to ride the DEO TAL Lake.
- She is an inspiration to the entire world. Achieving so much in a profession which is male dominant. She proved the world that females are less than no one.
So we decided to salute such females and had an interview with her, discussing her struggles, journey and more:
How did it all start?
It all started with this thought of changing the mindset towards women. Our society thinks that females cannot do what men can do. I wanted to change this thought process. Then there was also my love for bikes that got me started. Back when I was in college, I started to ride bikes. In 2004 when I got married, I stopped riding bikes and started to look after my family. Then in 2004, after 10 years of marriage, with the support of my husband and family, I started following my dreams again.
What was your family’s reaction? Were they supportive of your decision?
I am the luckiest person in the world. My family has been supportive all through my journey. My husband is the best person. When I am riding he takes care of our family and when he has to go out for work then I manage the house. We go hand in hand and work as a wonderful team.
Did you face gender inequalities?
Yes. People used to tell me bike is for boys and not for girls to ride. My simple answer used to be, why you have a vehicle only for men or women? I used to tell them they have no right to decide what a women can or cannot do. It is up to her to make that decision.
The most memorable moment in your career?
All of them. I love and cherish all of them. But one moment that made me feel on the top of the world is when I conquered the Mana Pass. It is the world’s hardest and highest motor able path. I was so proud, not only because I covered it despite being a women, but for the fact that I was the first rider to have ever achieved this. It was a slap for all the haters that said I could never do this.
What kind of comments do you get?
There are both kinds of people, negative as well as positive. I get to hear a lot of criticism as well as complements. There are some people who say that it is such a dangerous sport, you are a women and you can’t do this. Others are always appreciating and applauding.
Is it difficult to pursue a career in biking if you are a women?
Yes, there are a lot of problems one needs to face in this profession if a female. The society is not at all open minded. We talk about equality but don’t really imply it. There are so many situations in which women themselves are discouraging and negative. All they say is concentrate on your family. In my mind I always take the rude comments as a challenge and prove them all wrong. I believe in that only you can decide what to do, no one else can do this for you.
What motivates you? What drives you to achieve more?
Criticism pushes me to achieve more. If someone comes up to me and says that you cannot do it, I immediately accept the challenge and prove them wrong. This is to make them believe that we are equally good. This is for a lot of women. So many leave their dreams to take care of their families. It is not fair.
How do you manage your home and career as a biker?
I have my husband’s full support. He is the one who helped me reach where I have reached today. He is always helping me with the house as well as my career. Sometimes it gets difficult, but then in the end everything goes great.
Please tell us about your recent event, which was the TVS scooty event?
It was an epic challenge- a ride to Khardung La. I took part in this event for a particular reason. People till date thing bikes are for men and scooty is for women. They take women to be delicate and they take scooty as a delicate vehicle. I wanted to tell the world there is no one vehicle for one particular gender. I believe that to be strong, one needs to be strong from inside and not from the outside.
Besides biking, what do you do?
I am entrepreneur. I am a gem therapist. You can also call me energy healer. My business is set up in Lucknow.
Here’s to biker chic, to women who can follow their passion!
