Surekha Yadav has been breaking the glass ceiling in the Indian Railways since 1989. From being the first motor woman in Asia and the first female loco pilot in the Indian Railways, she has come a long way. Harbouring a passion for trains and now sharing her knowledge with aspiring motormen training under her, she remembers her humble beginnings and her inspiring, one-of-a-kind career path.

Reminiscing the time when she had just graduated with a diploma in electrical engineering and was appointed as an assistant loco pilot, Yadav says that it was the golden day of her life. It was her determination and the kind of encouragement she received from her senior colleagues that helped her make a career out of her passion.