"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Courage and self-belief can make a person excel in anything and for Reshma Nilofer Naha, manoeuvring ships through harbours is something which she does in her daily life. She is India’s first and only river pilot who was recently given the Nari Shakti Puraskar by our President, Ram Nath Kovind. Reshma joined the Calcutta Port Trust in 2011 as a trainee pilot and in 2018, she became a river pilot.
Reshma navigates ships from Sagar right to the ports of Calcutta and Haldia through the Hooghly river which is quite difficult due to the congested water and the narrow channels. On talking about the difficulties faced by her while navigating, Reshma told The Telegraph, “We have different kinds of ships and each ship behaves differently. The tides are strong here… and all this makes pilotage tough.” The courageous marine pilot further added she once had to anchor for four days due to unfavourable weather and strong winds.
Reshma holds a B.E. degree in Marine Technology from Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi. After being recruited by KoPT(Kolkata Port Trust), she worked as a cadet at the sea and secured 2nd and 1st mates competency certificates from the Directorate General of Shipping. She also sailed with Maersk for about two years before working with KoPT which happens to be the largest supply vessel operator and container ship.
Heading from Chennai, Reshma believes a support system is needed to get inspired in life and for her, family and siblings have played a major role in motivating her.
Reshma believes it's important for each woman to carry themselves with dignity and flourish in their respected fields in order to prove men they are not superior to them. We hope her story inspires other women and take up jobs that are daring.
Image Courtesy: Asianet News
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