A Smile From Pondicherry

Of all the stories that I have brought back from Pondicherry, there is this one which I cannot stop thinking about. Obviously, my series on Pondicherry will begin with this empowering tale that has had such an impact on me. There’s so much about Pondicherry that I want to write, but for a change, this time I am not lost at where to begin. This time, I am pretty sure of the beginning. In fact, I knew I would start Pondicherry posts with this story right when it happened.

While a lot was lost in translation, but I tried to gather as much as I could, and I wasn’t just ready to leave Pondicherry yet. There was something that was holding me back, so I decided to visit the French Quarters once again before bidding goodbye to Pondicherry. So, just a few hours before we were to leave for Chennai, we were roaming around in the French Quarters of Pondicherry, exploring the boutiques and art-work the town is famous for. Last minute shopping, re-living the vibe of the French town once more and some pretty pictures were the  agenda. But then Jennifer decided to put a halt to everything that was going on in my mind. With a radiating a smile, she asked me if I want a ride in her auto.

I wanted to stop and talk to her but my friends were already a few blocks away from me, searching the lanes for Auroville Aashram Boutiques. I waved a hello, sported a  thumbs up and moved ahead, feeling so proud of this woman who was driving an auto. I wanted to come back and talk to her. I wanted to tell her how inspiring she was. I wanted to go hug her. And we did all of that.

Meet Jennifer, who has been ferrying passengers on the streets of Pondicherry since the last eight years. She’s not intimidated by this profession but actually started doing it because she loves this auto. Jennifer speaks perfect English, is proud of what she is doing and comes across as someone who is living life on her own terms. Her husband is also an auto driver and he was quite a support to her when she decided to help him around, doing what is considered as a man’s job.

We asked her for a picture and she was more than happy to pose with her auto. A few cameras flashed as she smiled, making her the hero of our stories. It was an overwhelming moment for all of us, in our own ways. We clicked, we posed and we clicked some more. And in those moments, I knew how to start this post. I told her how proud I felt and then words failed me. But she understood everything I wanted to convey. I could not stop smiling, seeing this woman who was breaking barriers, doing something she wants to do, not getting intimidated by the society or norms and just being herself.

Though we could not take a ride with Jennifer, but promised to call her to show us around the next time either one of us visits Pondicherry. In case you are planning to visit this French town and want to meet her, get in touch with me. She’ll be happy to show you around and won’t try to loot you like most other auto drivers of Pondicherry do when they come to know you don’t know the roads or the language. There are in all twenty women auto drivers in Pondicherry and I am sure they all must be heros in their own rights for being able to choose a profession not many women can even think of embracing.

The trip to Pondicherry ended on this high note. It was such a happy story that I couldn’t even be sad that the trip was over. Jennifer’s smile is one which I won’t forget and her story is one which needs to be told; breaking barriers, one by lane at a time! She loved the pictures and I promised to send them to her. Though she doesn’t have an email, so I am sending them to her by mail tomorrow. 🙂

The trip to Pondicherry ended on this high note.