Do not be afraid of chasing your dreams: Shalini Calls upon Islands’ Women
Sri Vijaya Puram, March 8: Having been born and raised up in the picturesque Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Shalini Joseph is the first female motorcycle rider from Andaman & Nicobar Islands to ride across the North & Middle Andaman District.
Shalini (25) is a Graduate and has completed her B.Sc. Anaesthesia Technology from Karnataka. She is presently looking after her father’s business.
The journey of Shalini as a biker began when she was in her 9th Standard, with her father giving her a hands-on experience of a two-wheeler. What began as a simple interest for her, soon turned into a deep passion, as riding made her feel independent, confident and connected to the road of life.
Shalini credits her journey to her parents. “For my parents and me, this was a completely new journey. Motorcycling was not something common for girls, especially from our small Islands”, she said.
“At first, my parents were naturally worried about my safety and the challenges that could come with it. I had to take the time to explain my passion to them, share my dreams, and make them a part of my journey. Slowly, with patience and trust, they began to understand my determination and stood by me”, Shalini adds.
While in her college days, Shalini’s love for riding and traveling grew even more. “At that time, I explored many beautiful places in South India. I travelled to Ooty, Coorg, Kodaikanal, Mysore and Puducherry. Each journey gave me new experiences, new roads to conquer, and more confidence as a rider”, she explains.
These experiences prepared Shalini for one of her biggest achievements. With determination and the support of her parents, Shalini finally took on the challenge of riding across North & Middle Andaman, thus becoming the first girl rider to ride across North & Middle Andaman in the UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Over time, riding became more than just a hobby for Shalini. It became a way of expressing herself and breaking stereotypes. As a woman rider from the Islands, Shalini wanted to prove that women are capable of exploring, traveling and achieving things that society sometimes thinks are restricted to men.
While Shalini continues to chase her passion and plans for bigger rides in future, she calls upon the women, especially from small towns and the Islands to not be afraid to chase dreams.
“There may be times when society or people around you may try to limit what you can do, but remember that your strength and determination are greater than those limits. Believe in your abilities, stand up for your passions, and never be afraid to chase what excites your heart”, says Shalini.
She also called upon all the parents to support their daughters the same way you support their sons. “When parents trust their daughters and stand by their dreams, they give them the strength to achieve incredible things”.
“The road to your dreams begins the moment you believe in yourself”, the lone Female Motorcycle Rider to ride across the N&M Andaman District concludes.