Mysuru’s woman mechanic powers ahead

By M.B. Pavan Murthy

On International Women’s Day, stories of resilience and determination shine a light on women who step beyond societal norms. One such trailblazer is Sumithra Raju, Mysuru’s two-wheeler mechanic, proving that no field is off-limits for women.

For the past four years, Sumithra has been repairing scooters at Suchithra Auto Service Centre on Basaveshwara Road, defying the conventional belief that mechanics is a male-dominated domain.

Her journey into this world of grease and gears was fuelled by two things: A passion for learning something unconventional and the need to support her family financially.

A journey from fields to workshops

A native of Byathahalli in Mysuru taluk, Sumithra, now 49, was born into a family of agriculturists.

Hard work was ingrained in her life early on. With only a Class 5 education, she toiled as a farm labourer alongside her father and siblings, harvesting cotton and groundnut to make ends meet.

Marriage to Raju, a construction worker, brought new responsibilities, and when her two daughters were of marriageable age, Sumithra sought ways to supplement the family’s income.

Her turning point came when she repeatedly visited the garage where she now works, getting her scooter serviced. Intrigued by the mechanics, she asked the garage owner, Surendran, if she could learn the trade. Surprised but supportive, he agreed.

Spanners, scooters & success

Today, Sumithra can handle all scooter repairs, from minor fixes to complex engine overhauls. “If you are determined to take up the challenge, success is guaranteed,” she says, tightening a bolt with a practiced grip. 

Surendran, her mentor and garage owner, takes immense pride in her journey. “In my 28 years of running this garage, she is the first woman mechanic I’ve trained. Sumithra is living proof that if a woman is willing, she can master any skill,” he says.

Sumithra’s garage exclusively services scooters, and with more women riding two-wheelers, she finds herself in a unique position to encourage others to enter the field. She even services her five personal two-wheelers on her own and is open to teaching other women who are interested in learning vehicle repair.

In a world where women are making strides in every sector, Sumithra Raju’s story is a testament to perseverance and breaking gender stereotypes — one scooter at a time.