Ever Heard About A ‘Woman Loco Pilot?’ If Not, Meet Kumkum Dongre!

November 3, 20213 Minutes
Success Stories

Link Copied!

We have always heard and believed that driving a train is a man's job, isn't it? It is pretty much a task! Very risky and challenging.

But Kumkum has cleared that misunderstanding and has turned the tables. She has become India's first woman loco pilot!

But this was not as easy as it sounds. Kumkum had to face challenges too. But she didn't let it break her resolve.

‘Trains’ her childhood fascination…

While kids like Kumkum always dreamt of becoming a pilot, doctor, teacher, etc., young Kumkum dreamt of driving a train.

A daughter becoming a loco pilot is not what all parents would have accepted, but Kumkum's parents were different...

Her father supported the decision that she had taken. And Kumkum did not disappoint him. She completed her B.com and, side by side, took a two-year electrical course from Industrial Training Institute(ITI).

She was so determined that she was completing her education and working on her passion simultaneously.

ITI was a gateway for her to appear for the railway entrance exams. She studied hard and applied for the Assistant Loco pilot post(ALP). Along with that, she completed her post-graduation in social sciences.

When she reached the exam centre, she saw that she was one of the seven women amongst thousands of male entrants.

People were staring at her and the other six girls at the exam centre as if they didn't belong to this profession. By seeing this, anyone would be nervous. But Kumkum did not let this nervousness impact her focus. She passed her exam successfully and was sent to Mumbai for further training.

She finally got her dream job at the Vasai lobby in Mumbai as the Assistant Loco Pilot on a goods train. She then, with her excellent skills, went on to become a Loco Pilot too! On 5th January 2021, an all-woman crew goods train drove from Vasai road to Vadodra.

Along with Kumkum, Udita Verma(assistant loco pilot), Akanksha Rai(Goods guard) were also a part of the crew. It's so heart filling that women are breaking the glass ceilings and smashing stereotypes!

Being the first woman to lead a train, she was made fun of at the exam centre, and her colleagues too didn't trust her and showed their male dominance.

Time and again, Kumkum had to prove that she was worthy of this job. To prove her talent, she used to volunteer under challenging situations in the train journeys. She also had to get down from the train in the middle of the night to check the tires when it had halted in a jungle.

But she did not let such challenges scare her.

This is not the end!

Kumkum is not going to settle on just being a loco pilot of a goods train. She dreams of driving high-speed trains like Rajdhani Express, Duranto, etc. She also wants to train other girls who aspire to become loco pilots. Inspired by Kumkum's journey, there are now 33-woman assistant loco pilots in training in the Mumbai region alone.

If you want to shine like Kumkum and do something extraordinary for your future, Glow and Lovely Careers have many options! Right from helping you choose the right career option to open doors to job opportunities, online courses, scholarship career guidance, it has it all!

Get Inspired with

Blog and News

Success Stories
January 25, 20183 Minutes

Career Guidance: Know What It Takes to Be a Successful Market Researcher

Imagine launching a baby care product without understand what mothers are looking for. Or an internet service that is so expensive that nobody buys it. Market research is a very important part of any business strategy. It is an organized method for collecting data required to take many decision including - what product to make, where to sell, to whom to sell and at what price. With an effective market research strategy, a company will be able to know the current trends in the market, get information on what its competitors are doing, what its customers are looking for and what their spending habits are. On the basis of these factors, it is easier to design a strong and strategic marketing plan required for the company's growth. **What is the need for Market Research?** Whether for a new business or launch of a new product, market research is one of the key factors that is responsible for a company's success. There are two kinds of research that need to be done. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * **Primary Research** This type of research is conducted by the company using different methods like groups, surveys, and interviews. It helps in situations where the company needs to gather new data which has never been collected before. <br /> <br /> * **Secondary Research** This kind of market research uses company reports, internet, research journals, and newspapers to gather existing data which has already captured by others. Key Benefits of Working as a Market Researcher \*\*Here is why you could consider market research as one of the best career options: \*\* <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 1. It is a growing field and career opportunities are on a rise <br /> <br /> 1. It is a respectable and creative job that requires you to use diverse skills such as observation, listening, analysis, communication <br /> <br /> 1. You can gain experience across various industries <br /> <br /> 1. You can work as a freelance consultant and choose to work only when you have time available <br /> <br /> 1. You can gain exposure to new and upcoming technologies in the field of Data Science, a field where professionals are in very high demand. [Click here to know the educational qualifications you need to become a Market Researcher](https://www.glowandlovelycareers.in/en/career-guidance/career-options) \*\*How Can You Become a Successful Market Researcher? \*\* Do you know what it really takes to become a successful market research analyst? Well, you must have these 5 personal qualities or soft skills if you want to become one. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Excellent Communication Skills- With good communication, it is easy to explain the impact of your research to your company or clients. If you want to improve these skills, there is an option of **online certification** program in communication which you can take up alongside your job or studies. \*\*Want to improve on your communication skills? \*\* <br /> <br /> * Strong Writing Skills- To present written reports of your research requires good writing so you must know how to write well. <br /> <br /> * Great Listening Skills- If your listening skills are good, it helps you in understanding what your clients have to say and what they want. <br /> <br /> * Strong Problem Solving Skills- To be a successful researcher, you need to develop or improve the ability of analyzing problem areas and finding the right solutions. <br /> <br /> * Improved Analytical Skills- Research throws up a lot of data which you need to analyze and understand to draw conclusions. This is where your analytical skills will be helpful. Besides these skills, there are other things too which employers will expect from you. Like the ability to handle multiple projects at a time, willingness to learn, a flexible attitude, and knowledge of different types of software applications ranging from basic tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, to more sophisticated ones such as MS Access, Stata, etc. While you can learn all this with time, it just takes a decision from your side and the right platform to get started. With Glow \& Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair \& Lovely Career Foundation), a **free online courses platform** , it becomes easier to find the best career options and choose the best \*\*marketing online courses. \*\*The platform also offers you information on various **scholarship programs in India** and you will get a chance to learn from the best education partners online. You can browse through our various **free online courses** to support your career as a market researcher. [Click here to know about them](https://www.glowandlovelycareers.in/en/) India's job market is evolving rapidly, offering numerous career opportunities across industries suc... job finder websitejob search website+ 3 <br /> <br /> <br />

Success Stories
December 27, 20232 Minutes

Shradha Sharma - Founder and CEO of YourStory, a platform for stories and news about entrepreneurs and start-ups in India

**Shradha Sharma** , the **Founder and CEO of** **YourStory** , started her journey from a journalist to a visionary entrepreneur who has significantly impacted the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India, making YourStory a go-to platform for stories and news about startups and entrepreneurs. As the Founder and CEO of YourStory, **Shradha Sharma** has carved a niche for herself in storytelling and news curation. YourStory is not just a platform; it's a digital haven that celebrates the journeys of entrepreneurs and showcases the diverse landscape of **startups in India** . Under Shradha's leadership, YourStory has become a catalyst for change, amplifying the voices of those who dare to dream and build. One of the distinctive aspects of YourStory is its focus on diversity and inclusivity. Shradha Sharma has been a vocal advocate for promoting and highlighting the stories of **women entrepreneurs** . In a sector where the gender gap has historically been significant, YourStory stands out as a platform that recognises and celebrates the achievements of female entrepreneurs, providing a spotlight for their journeys and successes. Shradha Sharma's commitment to supporting **female entrepreneurs** goes beyond just storytelling. YourStory actively curates content that provides insights and **entrepreneur ideas for women** , encouraging them to explore and excel in diverse fields. The platform is a source of inspiration, offering many stories that resonate with aspiring women entrepreneurs across India. In a country where the startup ecosystem is thriving, Shradha Sharma's YourStory plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around **startups in India** . The platform has become a knowledge hub, offering valuable resources, expert opinions, and success stories that inspire budding entrepreneurs and provide practical insights into the intricacies of starting and scaling a business in the Indian context. **Shradha Sharma** 's journey itself is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit she champions. As a journalist, she identified a gap in the coverage of startup stories in India and took the bold step of creating YourStory to fill that void. Her visionary approach has transformed the landscape of media and storytelling and influenced how people perceive and engage with entrepreneurship in India. The impact of YourStory extends to various sectors and industries, showcasing the diversity of ideas and innovations emerging from different corners of the country. Shradha Sharma's platform reflects the vibrancy and dynamism of the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem. In India, where entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming a viable career choice, YourStory's role is significant. Shradha Sharma's vision aligns with the evolving aspirations of young Indians who seek inspiration and guidance on their entrepreneurial journeys. YourStory has become a virtual mentor, offering knowledge and insights that empower individuals to realise their entrepreneurial dreams. **Shradha Sharma** has not just created a platform; she has woven a tapestry of stories that reflect the resilience, creativity, and diversity of the Indian entrepreneurial spirit. Through YourStory, she continues to shape the narrative around startups and entrepreneurs in India, inspiring a new generation to embrace the possibilities and challenges of entrepreneurship. As she navigates the ever-evolving landscape, Shradha Sharma remains a guiding force, leaving an indelible mark on the journey of every entrepreneur featured on YourStory and contributing to the growth and transformation of the startup ecosystem in India. Are you looking for some inspiration in your life, like **Shradha Sharma** ? Then, explore various [courses](https://www.glowandlovelycareers.in/en/online-courses/) offered across different fields on [Glow \& Lovely Careers](https://www.glowandlovelycareers.in/) and let your colours of success shine through! #KaamyabiKeRangDikhao