Some women inspire everyone around them and lead everyone by setting an example and some women happen to just race through your heart and lives with their success stories.
In conversation with one such fabulous and inspiring star, Dr. Bani Yadav.
Q: Dr. Yadav, you hold a degree in geography and a diploma in advertising and public relations, then onto your becoming India’s Ace Woman Rally Racer. Tell us about this journey and turn of events.
Ans. Life is a series of twists and turns and you just don’t know where your journey will eventually lead you too. Mine has been equally interesting. I had to wait for 30 years to realize my dream of becoming a racer and started this at the age of 43 when generally most sportspeople retire. I have never learnt to give up and becoming The National Autocross Champion 2 years in a row is the culmination of dreams coming true.
Q: We all have our setbacks when we are out to achieve something. Tell us about one such setback and how did you overcome it?
Ans. Just when I entered motorsports in 2013, I had to step back as I had a major back problem and I was bedridden for nearly 6 months. I had to undergo a back surgery which in itself was a life-threatening one. It was a slow but determined road back to recovery. I needed help with every little thing. I was not ready to spend my life on a bed and let days pass by. I had dreams not only for myself but also for my children. It needed immense mental and physical strength but I kept taking baby steps. Soon every task became a milestone for me and with my dedication and perseverance, within a year I was back to the sport I loved the most.
Q: We have learnt that you foster animals at home until they are adopted. In times when it’s tough for humans to support each other, you are supporting a cause for animals too. Is it something you always wanted to do?
Ans. My love for animals comes from my parents. They always had dogs who were treated like family. As a child, I grew up on a farm among various animals and birds, so being kind and compassionate towards them comes naturally to me. My house is like a mini zoo where I primarily foster cats and dogs and I take care of various birds too. I strongly believe in ‘karma’ and I am destined to be a caregiver to the various creations of the almighty. My pets are my lifelines and my stress busters. Currently, I have 6 pet dogs and 8 pet cats and I foster 5 street dogs and 5 stray cats.
Q: You married your school friend and you have two lovely sons. Tell us how you juggle with motherhood, being a woman rallyist and a social rights supporter.
Ans. Women by nature are great multitaskers and I think I have been able to master it well. I start my day early around 4:30 am with walking my dogs for 1 hour; it is my ‘me time’ where I am with nature. I prioritize tasks for my day to balance my personal and corporate life. One just needs to be able to set their priorities right and set timelines for themself. I enjoy life and live it on my terms.
Q: You are a National Champion Woman 2018 and 2019; Maruti Suzuki National Auto Prix Champion for 2015 & 2016 and winner at multiple track events and cross country rallies too. Tell us which is your favourite one and why?
Ans. Rallying is all about enjoying the game in as many formats as you can. I do the Cross country Extreme Rallying, the Autocross, the Indian Rally Championship (IRC) now called the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), the Time Speed Distance Format (TSD ), Formula 4 and Carting. The format which I enjoy the most is the IRC where I created history by winning an Overall 2nd position in Rally De North in 2016 and winning Coupe De Dame and the 2000cc class in The Asia Pacific Rally Cup of the Coffee Day Rally in 2015.
Q: India is gradually moving ahead on the track of sports. The infrastructure is improving. We still, however, lag when it comes to women empowerment. What are your thoughts about that?
Ans. We are living in an ever-evolving society where the dynamics keep changing every day. Motorsports has primarily been a male-dominated sport and women are still finding their footing. It is 100 times more difficult for a woman to enter and sustain this sport. The women do not find backing from home easily as it is an expensive sport. Lack of sponsorships for women drivers makes it more challenging in motorsports.
The women are generally left to fend for themselves and due to lack of funds, they eventually leave the sport. We need sustained support for the women to be able to prove their prowess on the tracks.
Q: You pursued your dream after you got married. People often consider marriage as an end to their careers and dreams. Do you have a special message for women out there?
Ans. It is very important to not lose yourself after marriage. I did not give up on my dreams even when I was busy raising my children, with my job and my responsibilities of a wife and a daughter in law. Nothing comes easy till you slog for it and make dedicated efforts to achieve your goals. Life does not end for women and their dreams after marriage. Make time for yourself; let the process of discovery of yourself be continuous.
Q: You have broken stereotypes and competed against men too. Considering the world is still tilted towards being a man’s world, how do you handle the criticism and keep yourself mentally fit.
Ans. My parents never differentiated between a girl or a boy. it would be fair to say, I was always the more privileged one as compared to my brother. I have never learned to be intimidated by competition and I have learned to ignore the snide remarks. I have taken all the jeering in my stride. I have made myself mentally and emotionally strong and don’t let my focus shift from the race and the tracks to anything else.
Q: A message for our readers?
Ans. Dare to dream, spread your wings far and wide and let your dreams take shape. Life is a series of opportunities and it is up to us to choose what we do when it comes knocking. Let life not pass you by as you are not coming out of this alive.
sabiha.gulrays@gmail.com
Author’s bio
Sabiha Gulrays. a blogger and a content writer. Writing has always elevated me and helped draw attention to the trivial matters that get missed in every day hustle bustle. Life is a bottle of opportunities; you just need to know how to uncork it. As a blogger, I feel elated to share my thoughts and experiences about parenting, health, lifestyle and self-improvement. I love cooking and writing about food happens to satiate my soul. I strongly believe, success and learning is a continuous journey.
You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/musingsoftheheartandsoul
