Shaista Altaf
Sempora, Jan 15: In the quiet hamlet of Sempora, on the outskirts of Srinagar, 60-year-old Parveena (name changed) defies gender norms by ferrying people across Jhelum River—a job traditionally dominated by men—to support her family.
Parveena has become a vital figure in the village, ferrying passengers, goods and school children across the river. She took up the oar in 2012 after her husband’s death, stepping into a role few women in the region would consider.
The lack of connectivity in Sempora has made her services indispensable to the community, earning her widespread respect. “This was never my first choice,” she shares, her voice heavy with emotion.
She lost her parents in her childhood and had to raise her brothers. “Then, my husband passed away. Death surrounded me from all sides. When I saw no other way out, I decided to run this boat,” she says.
The Jhelum represents more than just Parveena’s livelihood; it is evidence of her fortitude, faith, and unwavering determination to keep going. She starts her day at sunrise, crossing the river to deliver people, goods, and schoolchildren. By sunset, she completes countless trips, earning an average of Rs. 300 per day.
“With this, I have to cover all household expenses, including medical bills,” she laments. Her difficulties are not limited to money. Due to her severe kidney problems and diabetes, Parveena needs a lot of medical treatment, which she can hardly afford.
As she holds up a sealed packet of blood pressure medication, she says, “I survive solely on these pills. Winters are the hardest because the number of passengers dwindle.”
In the beginning, she ferried people across the river in a boat for a nearby mosque, but a tragic accident occurred when the boat capsized. Undeterred, she built her own boat and resumed her work.
Despite these obstacles, Parveena is dedicated to her job. In order to keep up with growing costs, she raised her fares from Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 over the years. She explains this move to her clients by citing her financial difficulties.
Despite this raise, her income hardly covers her expenses. “I have just one daughter whom I married off at the tender age of 16. Now, my only purpose in life is to secure her future,” she said.
Parveena perseveres because of her faith despite all of her hardships. “Despite the innumerable challenges I have encountered, I have never given up hope,” she states with a mixture of humility and pride.
A bridge is coming up at the place and once ready no one will need her boat for cross over but she is not complaining. “God has been my best friend and has never failed me. I’m constantly grateful for His favour. He will take care of me,” she hopes.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
