Kamal Haasan, the leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), presented a cheque of financial aid to M Sharmila, the first female bus driver in Coimbatore district. Sharmila recently quit her job after DMK MP Kanimozhi praised her for breaking gender barriers while traveling in her bus two weeks ago. Kanimozhi and BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan called Sharmila to offer her another job. However, Kamal Haasan, who met Sharmila in Chennai, went one step ahead by presenting her with a cheque to buy a new car. With the help of this car, Sharmila plans to operate her own cab business. MNM president Kamal Haasan encouraged Sharmila to inspire other women by breaking gender barriers and standing up for their rights.
Kamal’s Cultural Centre will provide Sharmila with financial support to buy a new car, giving her a new direction in life. After breaking gender barriers with her successful stint as the first female bus driver, Kamal urged Sharmila to inspire other women to move beyond the roles society has tagged them with. Kamal stated that Sharmila could be the force to create thousands of women like her and break down age-old barriers created to oppress women. It is the duty of a civilized society to stand by such individuals to create a more equal world.
Sharmila is a 24-year-old resident of Vadavalli in Coimbatore, who was driving Vee Vee, a private town bus, plying between Gandhipuram and Somanur. After Kanimozhi praised her, Sharmila quit her job after facing disrespect from her woman conductor. Later reports and videos of Sharmila’s interview went viral on social media, highlighting her battle to break down gender barriers.
Kamal’s Cultural Centre seeks to empower women and stand up against social injustice. By providing Sharmila with the financial assistance to purchase a new car, they have taken the first step in creating a more equal society. With her new car, Sharmila can create an entrepreneurial venture while inspiring other women to follow in her footsteps. Such acts of kindness and support provide hope and encouragement to individuals fighting for their rights and pave the way for a better future.
